CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
TrendsJan 24, 2018
Rio Tinto Partners with Ana Khouri, Indie Designers
The miner enlisted a talented group of jewelry designers to create signature pieces with Australian diamonds.
Six designers, including Ana Khouri (pictured), created some of their signature pieces with Australian diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine.
New York--To promote Australian diamonds, miner Rio Tinto enlisted a group of talented independent designers to create some of their signature pieces with the stones.
Ana Khouri, Eva Fehren’s Eva Zuckerman, Ileana Makri, Anita Ko, Alison Lou’s Alison Chemla and Arpana Rayamajhi all participated in the “Diamonds with a Story Featuring Australian Diamonds” project.
Launched last week, the capsule collection consists of an array of the aforementioned designers’ signature pieces, updated with natural color diamonds in shades of champagne, pink and yellow from Western Australia’s Argyle mine, which is fully owned and operated by Rio Tinto.
Rio Tinto employs a chain of custody program that offers proof of a diamond’s provenance from mine to market and many of the “Diamonds with a Story” designers remarked on the importance of transparent and ethical sourcing.
“We do our best to research and ensure all of our materials are responsibly sourced,” said Chemla. “My customers expect that. Australian diamonds are tracked, so they’re an easy choice.”
The designers and friends feted the collection last week at Mailroom in downtown Manhattan, with a performance by French actress and singer Josephine de la Baume with her band Film Noir, and DJ sets by Ruby Aldridge, Alix Brown and Chloe Caillet.
A coffee table book by celebrity and fashion photography duo Herring & Herring commemorating the collection and designers was on hand at the event. The book features interviews with jewelry tastemakers wearing pieces from the capsule collection, including celebrity stylist Jeanann Williams, Barneys New York Fashion Director Marina Larroude and Claire Distenfeld, owner of New York boutique Fivestory.
An eternity band by Alison Lou
A signature piece from Ana Khouri takes on new life with a variety of shades of Australian diamonds
Anita Ko
The collection featured works by artist Arpana Rayamajhi, marking her first fore into fine jewelry.
Here, the full range of pieces Eva Fehren produced, with a close-up of a dramatic pair of earrings
This is the full range that Ileana Makri created for the "Diamonds with a Story" collaboration.
Commenting on the collection, Distenfeld said, “I think it’s important to know where everything in our life comes from—food, clothing, and especially diamonds. Diamonds are millions of years old, and I believe they carry the memories of the earth within them. Australian diamonds are carefully mined and tracked with great concern for the environment and, to me, that’s showing respect for these memories.”
Pieces from the capsule collection are available now on each of the six designer’s respective websites. Retail prices start at $1,000.
This is the not the first time the mining company has brought in independent jewelry designers to create pieces around its colored diamonds. Through its “Diamonds with a Story” campaign, Rio Tinto has previously collaborated with designers
More on Trends
The Latest
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of BuyingSamantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award FinalistsTen chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is SoldGrosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in OctoberA more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsThe funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security AllianceJennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry WeekThis year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2MThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and LoveThe ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.
