A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Frank Ocean Launches Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Line, Opens Store
“Homer” is a meditation on permanence and the idea of leaving a legacy.

The old is a reverence for the brick-and-mortar experience. The line, called Homer, has launched without e-commerce.
It is available exclusively at its store in downtown Manhattan at 70-74 Bowery, opened Aug. 9.
Located in Chinatown at Canal Street, it’s in the vicinity of the neighborhood’s jewelry haunts that deliver the basics, such as gold chains and diamond pavé pendants.
Those who can’t make it into the store to shop in person can call to place an order; global shipping is free.
Homer announced its debut with a free limited-edition printed catalog that quickly ran out, with the cover shot by Ocean himself, and the artfully arranged campaign imagery by frequent collaborator Tyrone Lebon.
The new is Homer’s eschewing of natural diamonds for lab-grown diamonds manufactured at a “state- of-the-art lab” in the United States.
Designed in New York City, Homer is manufactured by hand in Italy in 18-karat gold, recycled sterling silver, vivid hand-painted enamel, and the aforementioned lab-grown diamonds.
In a statement, the brand cited its inspirations as “childhood obsessions” and “heritage as a fantasy.”
Rainbow shades of enamel adorn cartoon-like figures that bring to mind Japanese anime. One motif is a riff on a toy jack.
There are also more stylistically subdued, but technically impressive, gold and silver bracelets with specially crafted twisted links.
Ocean is a notoriously elusive interviewee but spoke about Homer to the Financial Times in his first interview in two years. He elaborated on his inspirations to the publication, citing his need to establish a tangible legacy.
The name Homer is an allusion to the Greek poet and author of “The Odyssey” and “Iliad.”
“Homer is considered the father of history and history is meant to endure—the same as diamonds and gold—and I know Homer used papyrus, but I’ve always liked the idea of carving history into stone,” Ocean told FT.
This desire, he said, is the result of being able to trace his personal lineage to the early 1700s slave trade. Ocean’s legal last name, Breaux, was a name the French commonly gave to slaves.
Homer is Ocean’s way of naming himself. The work asserts his autonomy, his ability to craft his own narrative.
Per FT, Homer has been in the works for about three years, but really began to develop in 2019, when the musician hosted 20 creator friends in a variety of design-focused fields—architects, carpenters, metalworkers and horticulturists—in a secluded, empty house outside of Los Angeles.
Some of the works they crafted, like tables, chairs and lighting, became the basis of the Homer jewelry designs and, though not for sale, can be seen in the catalog.
Working with resin at this unofficial creative summit also inspired the use of the material in the Bowery Street store and Homer’s packaging.
Ocean is known for being a disruptor in the music industry.
Getting out of a contract with his old label Def Jam, he released the album “Endless” under the imprint in 2016 then released a secret album, the critically acclaimed “Blonde,” the following day.
He seems to be bringing the same rebellious attitude to Homer, which at press time, boasts 145,000 Instagram followers and, yet, zero posts.
Homer’s first collection comprises 25 pieces and is priced from $395 to $1.9 million.
The Latest

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.


After eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.

Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

The luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

The new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.























