CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
EditorsDec 14, 2020
I’m Dreaming of a Sparkly Christmas
Associate Editor Lenore Fedow shares the jewelry and watches she’s asking Santa for this Christmas.
This Harwell Godfrey pinky ring, featuring rock crystal, malachite and diamonds ($2,450), tops Associate Editor Lenore Fedow’s Christmas wish list.
I was around 4 years old when I got my ears pierced.
My mom took me to a nearby chain store and sat me down in a tall chair, my little legs swinging over the side. (Now standing 4’11”, that hasn’t changed much over the years.)
I picked out a pair of green and purple butterfly earrings. Two women stood on either side of me with piercing guns, and it was all over before I knew it.
My mom read the aftercare directions carefully and followed them to the letter, but it wasn’t long before my little ear lobes were bright red.
Our nanny guessed, correctly, that I was probably allergic to the nickel in the earrings and should only wear “real” earrings from now on. “Snob’s ear” is what my mother called it.
Fast-forward a couple decades and I still have a taste for the finer things, though my budget is lagging behind, and a career in the jewelry industry has only made it worse, or better!
I’m a big believer in dreaming big, so these are the pieces I’d like to see under my Christmas tree if money was no object.
The Perfect Pinky Ring
I wasn’t certain I believed in love at first sight until I met this Harwell Godfrey ring.
The wonderful team at For Future Reference was gracious enough to allow me to borrow a few pieces from their talented designers to wear to the Gem Awards in January.
My mom took me to a nearby chain store and sat me down in a tall chair, my little legs swinging over the side. (Now standing 4’11”, that hasn’t changed much over the years.)
I picked out a pair of green and purple butterfly earrings. Two women stood on either side of me with piercing guns, and it was all over before I knew it.
My mom read the aftercare directions carefully and followed them to the letter, but it wasn’t long before my little ear lobes were bright red.
Our nanny guessed, correctly, that I was probably allergic to the nickel in the earrings and should only wear “real” earrings from now on. “Snob’s ear” is what my mother called it.
Fast-forward a couple decades and I still have a taste for the finer things, though my budget is lagging behind, and a career in the jewelry industry has only made it worse, or better!
I’m a big believer in dreaming big, so these are the pieces I’d like to see under my Christmas tree if money was no object.
The Perfect Pinky Ring
I wasn’t certain I believed in love at first sight until I met this Harwell Godfrey ring.
The wonderful team at For Future Reference was gracious enough to allow me to borrow a few pieces from their talented designers to wear to the Gem Awards in January.
The Harwell Godfrey ring is on my ring finger, worn beside a Sorellina Jewelry stacking ring.
I loved every single piece I borrowed, from a pair of diamond-studded double hoops by Established to a gorgeous diamond and malachite bracelet from Sorellina, but the Harwell Godfrey ring and I? It was a soul connection.
To the chagrin of my fellow editors, I’m not really into yellow gold. I love it on other people, but it never feels right when I wear it.
This ring changed everything. From the rose-cut rock crystal center stone to the pavé diamonds to the malachite and enamel inlays, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I returned everything I borrowed after the event, but it was hard to give this ring back. I considered buying it, but ultimately decided against it.
“Am I a $2,450 pinky ring kind of girl?” I asked myself.
In spirit? Absolutely. In budget? I had to slow my roll.
But, like an old friend, I find myself thinking of this ring from time to time and look forward to a possible reunion with bated breath.
“A Little Gremlin About to Misbehave” by Ionescu Jewels
The Cutest Gremlin I’ve Ever Seen
This gremlin ring and I met at the 2019 AGTA Spectrum Awards Editors’ Event.
There was something about his charming little face that just stuck with me.
Crafted by Ionescu Jewels, his face is a gray baroque South Sea pearl, set with ruby eyes and topped with a diamond crown, featuring 18-karat yellow and pink gold accents.
I knew jewelry could be fun, but this ring was funny. From his pointy little ears to his golden tongue sticking out, he just made me smile.
His full name is “A Little Gremlin About to Misbehave” and that mischievous spirit is captured perfectly.
As soon as I slipped the ring on my finger, I knew I wouldn’t forget this little guy.
An 18-karat yellow gold Italian horn charm set with a princess-cut orange sapphire ($1,350) from GiGi Ferranti’s new Portofino collection
A Little Luck for 2021
Growing up in an Italian-American family, the “malocchio,” or the evil eye, was no joke. Fueled by jealousy and envy, the evil eye could turn your entire life upside down.
In Italy, particularly in Naples where my family hails from, it’s believed that the cornicello protects the wearer from the curse.
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry created her own version of the Italian horn, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and set with a princess-cut orange sapphire.
I caught up with Ferranti back in October to talk about her new Portofino collection.
Inspired by the Italian Riviera and handcrafted in New York, the whole collection is magnificent, so it wasn’t easy to pick just one piece.
I chose this one in particular because it reminds me of home.
It’s a tangible connection to my ancestors, giving me a little extra protection as I head into a new year.
A Tiffany Soleste spessartine and diamond ring in platinum ($37,000)
A Showstopper of a Cocktail Ring
I’ve had the privilege of seeing a lot of beautiful gemstones up close and personal during my time with National Jeweler.
Stones I had never heard of a few years ago are now firmly some of my favorites.
The first spessartine garnet I ever saw stopped me in my tracks, as I was absolutely overwhelmed by that gorgeous inner fire.
A born and raised New Yorker, Tiffany & Co. can do no wrong in my book, design-wise at least.
The pieces are nearly always classic and elegant, and this 11.25-carat cushion cut spessartine and diamond ring is no exception.
“Where would you even wear that?” you may ask yourself as you scroll through this story.
The answer is, anywhere I want because if I had this ring, you couldn’t tell me anything. I would be insufferable.
I’d wear it sitting on the couch watching Netflix, getting my hand stuck in the popcorn bag because of the huge rock on my finger.
If you think I talk with my hands a lot now, just wait until I put on this ring.
(Also, this is an entirely imaginary wish list, so I’m free to put whatever I want on it!)
A Chopard 36 mm automatic Happy Moon watch, reminiscent of a starry night sky
A Celestial Masterpiece Timepiece
Speaking of putting whatever I want on my list, how about a $44,600 watch? Who’s going to stop me?
The Happy Moon watch by Chopard is a 36 mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond automatic timepiece with an aventurine dial and a blue alligator leather strap.
Inspired by a starry night, the high-precision moon-phase display is an absolute showstopper.
There were only 250 of these made so, to my family and friends, you better get a move on ordering this one.
Start refinancing some mortgages, selling plasma, whatever needs to be done.
I ask for so little!
More on Editors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
