CollectionsSep 10, 2021
Piece of the Week: Amrapali’s Lotus Diamond RingCollectionsSep 17, 2021
Piece of the Week: Maggi Simpkins’ Powerful Pink Diamond
It’s part of Sotheby’s “Black & Brilliant” sale, opening today.
Maggi Simpkins “In Bloom” ring for Sotheby’s Brilliant & Black sale (Image courtesy of Sotheby’s)
Hold on to your hearts.
Today in New York City, Sotheby’s opens its selling exhibition, “Brilliant & Black: A Jewelry Renaissance.”
Curated in partnership with jewelry editor and author Melanie C. Grant, the sale showcases about 60 pieces from 20 talented Black designers from midcentury to today.
Included is Los Angeles-based contemporary multidisciplinary artist and jeweler Maggi Simpkins, whose specialty is bespoke, one-of-a-kind jewels like engagement rings, with an emphasis on crafting “narrative-driven” designs informed by her clients’ life experiences.
For “Brilliant & Black,” Simpkins turned inward to reflect on her own story.
Per her artist’s statement for Sotheby’s, what she uncovered was, “permission to realize my greatness. A permission to be unapologetically bold, a permission to bloom, blossom, expand, take up space, to step into my light. A permission to shine.”
Simpkins continued, “While creating these pieces and reflecting on my story I realized that this is not just my story as a young woman of color designer but a shared story of the Black experience. A major part of the Black experience in America is the fight for that same permission.”
Empowerment suits the designer just fine.
Of the three styles Simpkins created for “Brilliant & Black,” the “In Bloom Ring” is the most elaborate.
Crafted in 18-karat rose gold, it features a rare, internally flawless, 2.43-carat, cushion-cut fancy pink diamond, 2.73 carats of custom-cut rubies, and 0.77 carats of pink sapphires.
Priced at $1 million, it’s available now at Sotheby’s.
Related stories will be right here …
Today in New York City, Sotheby’s opens its selling exhibition, “Brilliant & Black: A Jewelry Renaissance.”
Curated in partnership with jewelry editor and author Melanie C. Grant, the sale showcases about 60 pieces from 20 talented Black designers from midcentury to today.
Included is Los Angeles-based contemporary multidisciplinary artist and jeweler Maggi Simpkins, whose specialty is bespoke, one-of-a-kind jewels like engagement rings, with an emphasis on crafting “narrative-driven” designs informed by her clients’ life experiences.
For “Brilliant & Black,” Simpkins turned inward to reflect on her own story.
Per her artist’s statement for Sotheby’s, what she uncovered was, “permission to realize my greatness. A permission to be unapologetically bold, a permission to bloom, blossom, expand, take up space, to step into my light. A permission to shine.”
Simpkins continued, “While creating these pieces and reflecting on my story I realized that this is not just my story as a young woman of color designer but a shared story of the Black experience. A major part of the Black experience in America is the fight for that same permission.”
Empowerment suits the designer just fine.
Of the three styles Simpkins created for “Brilliant & Black,” the “In Bloom Ring” is the most elaborate.
Crafted in 18-karat rose gold, it features a rare, internally flawless, 2.43-carat, cushion-cut fancy pink diamond, 2.73 carats of custom-cut rubies, and 0.77 carats of pink sapphires.
Priced at $1 million, it’s available now at Sotheby’s.
Maggi Simpkins “In Bloom” ring for Sotheby’s Brilliant & Black sale (Image courtesy of Sotheby’s)
More on Collections
The Latest
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
