Editors

My Jewelry Wish List: All Gold Everything

EditorsDec 11, 2020

My Jewelry Wish List: All Gold Everything

These are the pieces Senior Editor, Fashion Ashley Davis recommends for holiday gifting.

20201211_WishList-5devon_copy.jpg
Lockets are personal and sentimental, but Devon Woodhill makes them feel fashionable too. This style is one of five jewels Senior Editor, Fashion Ashley Davis is coveting this holiday season.
I’ve said it before: I think I’m an excellent example of a millennial fine jewelry shopper.

It’s almost embarrassing how well I fit the profile—I’ve always been comfortable shopping online and do a lot of pre-shopping on social media, saving images of jewelry I like, getting to know the brands behind them, and sometimes going to try on a piece in person before I take the actual plunge for an expensive item.

Naturally, I’m also someone who buys jewelry for herself. The under-$1,000 price range is truly my sweet spot, allowing me to part with my paycheck without too much guilt, though I also save up for larger jewelry investments when particularly inspired.

I’m also staunchly anti-traditional, and don’t feel pressured to follow any custom regarding jewelry.

Rather, I feel my purchases are a chance to show my individuality and preferences.

Lastly, I love the personal connection of chatting with designers online and getting their input on my purchase. That relationship feels truly luxurious, almost a modern version of the way I imagine patrons communicated with artists in the Renaissance era.

Like my fellow fine jewelry millennial devotees, I’ve still been shopping for jewelry during the pandemic because, hey, life is short, gold retains its value, and I feel I deserve something sparkly to get excited about.

Currently, I feel myself most coveting the classic yellow gold and diamond pieces that have been on my list for years, jewels I know I would wear daily without tiring of them.

They’re pieces I’d recommend gifting to oneself or a loved one. So, without further ado …



Foundrae 18-karat yellow gold “Wholeness” medallion with diamond ($2,995)
Foundrae 18-karat yellow gold “Wholeness” medallion with diamond ($2,995)


Foundrae’s jewelry isn’t only replete with symbolism (this snake stands for wholeness), it also looks extremely good on. I know because I’ve coveted pieces I’ve seen on my jewelry-loving friends and celebrities alike.

I’ve wanted a piece from the moment the collection launched, and this is the necklace I’d only take off for the gym.


Nouvel Heritage 18-karat rose gold and diamond “Cocktail Time” mood bangle ($4,000)
Nouvel Heritage 18-karat rose gold and diamond “Cocktail Time” mood bangle ($4,000)


I’m not a bracelet person. Why? They’re expensive and I can never put them on without assistance, pretty antithetical to the whole empowered ethos of buying your own jewelry, don’t you think?

Nouvel Heritage designer Camille Parruitte knows exactly what I mean, that’s why she designed her cult-favorite “Mood Bangle,” aka a bracelet that makes sense.

It’s easy to take on and off oneself, extremely chic on and feels sturdy but not overly heavy. Parruitte just added some new versions to her oeuvre.

Lito 14-karat pink and yellow gold octagon necklace (€800, or about $973)
Lito 14-karat pink and yellow gold octagon necklace (€800, or about $973)


My fellow millennials and I love supporting and promoting small businesses and independent artists we care about.

Designer Lito Karakostanoglou’s passion for her creative process is contagious; I must have told dozens of people about her work over the years.

A few years ago, during an apartment move, I lost two Lito necklaces that were very precious to me. One was similar to the necklace pictured. At such a wallet-friendly price, it’s about time I reclaimed my treasure.


Gaya 18-karat yellow gold charm bracelet with star, eye and clover maxi pendants ($2,020)
Gaya 18-karat yellow gold charm bracelet with star, eye and clover maxi pendants ($2,020)


It was Nicole Ward, founder and global sales director of CNW Group, who turned me on to this ultra-wearable French fine jewelry brand, Gaya.

I love the uniformity and whimsicality of the brand’s gold charms, which happen to be 2020’s biggest fine jewelry trend.


Devon Woodhill “Capri Piazzetta” locket in 18-karat yellow gold, Florentine finish, with diamonds on 14-karat yellow gold open link chain ($5,650)
Devon Woodhill “Capri Piazzetta” locket in 18-karat yellow gold, Florentine finish, with diamonds on 14-karat yellow gold open link chain ($5,650)


Another huge trend for 2020 that’s also timeless? Personalized jewelry. And it doesn’t get more personal than a locket.

Devon Woodhill is making the lockets I’m currently coveting most; I’d likely keep a picture of my beloved rescue dogs in this one.

Happy holidays!
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Bellman’s Jewelers The Truthful Jeweler Alex Bellman
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes Off

The New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”

Stock image of police cars with lights flashing
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, Robbed

The latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.

Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II Watch
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster Restoration

The new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Jewelers for Children logo
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2025
Take the Jewelers for Children ‘Trinity of Purpose’ Challenge

Participants who attend any three Rings of Strength events will be awarded a special medal.

Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Lulo Rose pink diamond
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner Lucapa

The investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry Retail

Smith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra earrings
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ Earrings

The counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.

MJSA Logo
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally Recognized

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Masaki Obu
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division Manager

Casio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.

Michael Barabash and husband Raymond Cuadrado
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58

Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.

John Hardy Dot Coil Necklace and Dot Hoop Earrings
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on Point

Originally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.

IJO Vendor of the Year Allison-Kaufman
Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the Year

Allison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.

Image of Winona Ryder and Iman from Pandora’s Be Love marketing campaign
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans

The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.

Audemars Piguet Starwheel Watch
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in Manufacturer

Its investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.

Nicolette Bianchi
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing Director

Nicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.

Pippa Small Myanmar Fish Cluster
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’

Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.

Casio America CEO Yusuke Suzuki
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEO

Longtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.

LA Trading Day
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LA

The full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Stephanie Gottlieb Ring
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut Diamond

Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.

International Colored Gemstone Association logo
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of Directors

The board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.

Whiskey Barrel Ring
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring Giveaway

Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

Columbia Gem House Winza sapphires and rubies
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, Rubies

The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

Gemfields Faberge
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50M

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump Says

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

×

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