Editors

What I’d Like to Find Underneath My Christmas Tree

EditorsDec 09, 2020

What I’d Like to Find Underneath My Christmas Tree

In a nod to a top trend in 2020 and to end the year on a happy note, Senior Editor, Gemstones Brecken Branstrator fills up her wish list with rainbow jewels.

20201209_10X_Wish_list_header.jpg
At the top of Senior Editor, Gemstones Brecken Branstrator’s jewelry wish list for the holidays is this cabochon gemstone bracelet from Harwell Godfrey.
The idea of creating a “jewelry wish list” story is one that fills me with both glee and dread, but the latter only because my initial thought is, how will I ever narrow it down? 

This year also presented an interesting obstacle in that, after Tucson, I didn’t see any jewelry in person due to COVID-19. That meant trying to remember the favorites of what I had been emailed or seen scrolling through Instagram.

And then I realized I had likely already created my wish list through that little thing called the screenshot. 

Sure enough, after going in to my phone’s camera roll, where there was usually photo after photo of jewelry taken during work travel or events, there were many screenshots, presenting me with what I saw as a curated selection of what I liked enough as I was scrolling social media to push those little buttons and save forever. 

As I was looking through them, a trend quickly popped up in my selections, one that has also run through jewelry overall of late: rainbow gemstones. 

As a person who struggles with picking one colored stone over another, it makes a lot of sense I’d be into the pieces that allow me to have all of them. Plus, it’s 2020 after all, and that requires some wearable happiness.

So, in the spirit of spreading that joy through this blog, here is my (non-exhaustive, of course) wish list in the form of my favorite rainbow jewels from 2020. 

Allow me to start with the piece I think I am currently lusting for most.

To be fair, I am in love with practically every piece Lauren Harwell Godfrey makes for her eponymous brand. I wore a few jewels to Gem Awards this year, and don’t tell Lauren, but I came pretty close to just running away with everything I borrowed and never coming back.

But the Harwell Godfrey cabochon bracelet in the post above is beyond everything else for me. It’s so gemmy, my heart can’t take it. It’s big, the colors are beautiful, and it makes me so happy.

The piece features aquamarine, tanzanite, amethyst, pink tourmaline, mandarin garnet and yellow beryl as well as diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold; it retails for $25,000 at Twist

The next two choices probably aren’t that surprising since both brands’ ethos are wrapped in color.

Rainbow jewelry is a signature for Robinson Pelham, and I am over the moon for the piece created for Muzo’s latest collaboration with designers using faceted emeralds from its mine. The variety of colored gems combined with the structure and shape of the earrings would have me wearing these “Stralle” earrings seen above year-round.

They’re set with Muzo emeralds, multicolored sapphires and tsavorite garnet in 18-karat yellow gold ($38,940). 

And of course, what would a colorful wish list be without the inclusion of Jane Taylor Jewelry?

I love that the brand’s “Cirque” cuffs are loaded with color. Channel-setting the gems and keeping their size conservative makes them everyday wearable, alone or in a stack. 

The cuffs are made in 14-karat yellow gold with red garnet, citrine, yellow beryl, green tourmaline, blue topaz, iolite, and amethyst ($5,720). 

Featherstone Design is a great addition to any wish list because you know, with versatility as a cornerstone of the brand, that you’re getting more than meets the eye.

At the top of my general jewelry wish list right now is a pair of hoops set with stones all the way around—an updated look to a jewelry staple.

There are a lot of great gem-set hoops out there right now, but this pair from designer Deirdre Featherstone, with its rainbow gems all perfectly in order, checks off all my boxes, plus more—they can also be worn with enhancers, allowing for an extra drop to be attached.

(Visit the brand’s Instagram account to see an example of what that looks like.) 

These stunners are set with diamond, sapphire, spessartite garnet, tanzanite, Paraiba tourmaline, indigo tourmaline, champagne garnet, ruby, blue zircon, tsavorite garnet and spinel, all in platinum (price available upon request). 

Inspired by Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff’s inclusion of the pieces she’d get if she won the lottery—because what’s a wish list without those unattainable-yet-still-so-lustworthy pieces—I’ve included one of my favorite high jewels I’ve covered this year.

The necklace comes from Pomellato’s first high jewelry collection, launched this summer

Using 50 different gemstone varieties, the new collection is a color lover’s dream. 

The pièce de résistance is the jewel pictured above, the “Gourmette Caméléon” choker, which features 29 gold links set with a gradation of colored gemstones—from various multicolored sapphires to emeralds, tourmalines, spinel, tsavorite and other garnets, rubies, tanzanite, aquamarine, topaz and diamonds, perfectly arranged according to 27 color nuances.

Nearly 200 hours of work went into the piece (its price is available upon request), and it’s pure perfection, if I do say so myself. 
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Ulrich Wohn
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Artifex White Diamond, Fancy Dark Yellowish Brown Diamond, and Blue Sapphire Rings
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction Debut

Kindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.

Tyla Pandora Talisman collection
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment

The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”

20-Under-40-2025-LV.png
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall Peace Medallion
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%

The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.

Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
US Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case Wednesday

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

Stuller Inc.’s Danny Clark, Matt Stuller, and Belit Myers
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt Stuller

Stuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Introducing GIA Jewelry Services

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold?

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Mellerio Jardin Pierreries Necklace
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November Birthdays

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

Weston Jewelers Fort Lauderdale store rendering
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort Lauderdale

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.

Two of the three suspects in burglary at Queens jeweler’s home
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home

The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

Matthew Rosenheim
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board Chair

The trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.

Muse’s Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good Collection on Flaviana Matata
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDG

The “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.

Christies Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online Auction

The ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.

Heavenly Vices Mother Father Spinner Necklace
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

Interpol Stolen Works of Art Database, The Louvre Museum Graphic
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your Business

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Seattle PD image of Menashe & Sons Jewelers following Aug. 14 smash-and-grab robbery
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

Alison Lou Lumière Fine Collection On-Model
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and Resin

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Buddha Mama gold skull pave huggies
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted Halloween

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.

Is This Love That I’m Feeling event imagery
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History Museum

The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Stock image of person holding shopping bags
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

Couture show
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to Watches

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewelry by Beth Bernstein
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

Gem Awards 2025 at Cipriani New York
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award Nominees

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy