SourcingFeb 23, 2022
Tourmaline by the Ton: Maine Museum Celebrates ‘The Big Find’ 50 Years LaterSourcingMar 07, 2022
New ‘Holy Gems’ Collection Showcases Stones Mined in Israel
Parent company Shefa In Israel Ltd. holds the country’s only permits and licenses for the exploration and mining of gems.
Holy Gems’ “Inlaid with Sacred Love” ring features red garnet and diamonds in 18-karat gold ($25,000)
Netanya, Israel—A new jewelry collection has launched to showcase and market the colored gemstones now being mined in Israel.
According to Tali Shalem, CEO of Shefa In Israel Ltd., the journey has been some time in the making.
In the late 1980s, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century, told the then-mayor of Haifa, Israel that there were precious stones in northern Israel yet to be uncovered.
Abraham (Avi) Taub, who started his career in the diamond industry in the 1960s at his father’s diamond polishing company, eventually learned about Schneerson’s proclamation and decided to act on it.
He established Shefa in Israel Ltd. in 1998 to begin exploration and mining.
Taub died from cancer in late 2019. Five months later, in March 2020, Shefa received an official discovery certificate from the supervisor of mines in the State of Israel for its first economic mine of precious gemstones.
Shefa now holds exclusive exploration permits for approximately 470,000 dunams (or about 116,140 acres) in northern Israel. Its focus is on two projects—Mount Carmel, with several potential primary deposits, and the Kishon Reach, an alluvial deposit.
The company said it is the sole holder of permits and licenses for precious gems exploration and mining in Israel.
See: Holy Gems’ Jewelry with Israel-Mined Stones
According to Tali Shalem, CEO of Shefa In Israel Ltd., the journey has been some time in the making.
In the late 1980s, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century, told the then-mayor of Haifa, Israel that there were precious stones in northern Israel yet to be uncovered.
Abraham (Avi) Taub, who started his career in the diamond industry in the 1960s at his father’s diamond polishing company, eventually learned about Schneerson’s proclamation and decided to act on it.
He established Shefa in Israel Ltd. in 1998 to begin exploration and mining.
Taub died from cancer in late 2019. Five months later, in March 2020, Shefa received an official discovery certificate from the supervisor of mines in the State of Israel for its first economic mine of precious gemstones.
Shefa now holds exclusive exploration permits for approximately 470,000 dunams (or about 116,140 acres) in northern Israel. Its focus is on two projects—Mount Carmel, with several potential primary deposits, and the Kishon Reach, an alluvial deposit.
The company said it is the sole holder of permits and licenses for precious gems exploration and mining in Israel.
See: Holy Gems’ Jewelry with Israel-Mined Stones
A selection of the new corundum found in Israel, called “Carmel sapphire” because of its origin on Mount Carmel
“The Regal Majesty” ring with Carmel sapphire, garnet, and diamond in 18-karat gold ($195,000)
This is “The Appearance of Heavens” necklace, with Carmel sapphire and diamond in 18-karat gold ($82,000).
“The Royal Earrings” are set with sapphire and diamond in 18-karat gold ($39,000)
Found gemstones include diamond, natural moissanite, sapphire—including new material they have dubbed “Carmel sapphire”—ruby, garnet, hibonite, spinel, ilmenite, zircon, and rutile.
Carmel sapphire is a corundum that has inclusions of a new mineral called carmeltazite, discovered in 2014 by Shefa and named the International Mineralogical Association’s 2018 Mineral of the Year. So far it has only been found on Mount Carmel in Israel.
Overall production numbers have been small so far, Shefa said, including fewer than 100 carats of sapphire, approximately 200 carats of spinel, fewer than 200 carats of garnet, and fewer than 200 carats of Carmel sapphire.
But Shalem said they believe there are millions of carats in their licensing area.
To showcase and market these Israel-mined gemstones, the company has launched a jewelry collection called Holy Gems.
The inaugural Holy Gems jewelry collection, created from the first commercial gems found in the Kishon mine, features 101 one-of-a-kind, numbered, high-end pieces.
Its classic designs from Michaella Taub were inspired by Bible verses about Israel to connect the designs to the story behind and uniqueness of the stones, the company said.
See: More Pieces from Holy Gems
“The Midst of the Sea” ring, with sapphire and diamond in 18-karat gold ($32,000)
Holy Gems’ “The Pure Flower” necklace is set with black spinel and diamond in 18-karat gold ($28,000)
“The Drops of Love” ring, featuring sapphire and diamond in 18-karat gold ($25,000)
All the collection’s gems were sourced in Israel, except for the diamonds—Shefa has found diamonds, but not yet in great enough numbers for commercial use—and set in 18-karat gold.
The one-of-a-kind pieces in the collection are priced starting at $20,000. They are sold online at Holy-Gems.com or at the company’s showroom in Akko, Israel.
The Holy Gems secondary collection, named Holy Gems Sacred Love, will be a more commercial line, including minimalistic fine jewels inlaid with red garnet from Israel. Prices will start in the $2,500 to $5,000 range.
Though there may be some collaborations in the future, Shalem said Holy Gems has exclusive use of the gemstones, which will always be associated with the brand.
Shefa has complete control of the stones through the supply chain, from mining to cutting via subcontractors to marketing them under Holy Gems.
Shalem also noted the company has no plans to make loose stones available via wholesale.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
Weekly QuizJun 04, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
