CollectionsJun 16, 2022
Kirk Kara Unveils ‘Rayana’ Collection, New Bridal Styles at Luxury ShowCollectionsJun 27, 2022
This Designer Has Found a New Way to Bring Gemstones to Life
Svetlana Lazar’s “Wishing Well” collection utilizes an innovative component to mimic the movement of water beneath them.
Svetlana Lazar’s “Queen Bee” Wishing Well ring, featuring a 2.03-carat cabochon emerald on a hand-carved, tapered 18-karat gold band with the brand’s signature “dragon scale” texture ($3,500)
New York—Jewelry designer Svetlana Lazar wants to help make dreams come true.
At least, that’s part of the inspiration behind her “Wishing Well” collection, which features a unique gold setting that mimics the movement of water.
When she created the collection, she had been experimenting with translating into metal the tranquility one feels when observing the movement of water and its resulting ripples dancing across the surface.
At the same time, the self-proclaimed lover of fairytale illustrations also had an image in her head of a woman sitting by a wishing well, ready to cast her wish, captivated by the floating bubbles coming from a magical creature at the bottom of the well.
“Somehow, miraculously, Wishing Well is what came out of this after much tinkering and fabrication at the bench,” Lazar told National Jeweler.
What Lazar created is a visual effect that looks exactly like there is water moving under the stones.
The illusion is created using an all-gold setting with a kinetic component and some very precise fabrication.
See: The Wishing Well Collection in Action Below
At least, that’s part of the inspiration behind her “Wishing Well” collection, which features a unique gold setting that mimics the movement of water.
When she created the collection, she had been experimenting with translating into metal the tranquility one feels when observing the movement of water and its resulting ripples dancing across the surface.
At the same time, the self-proclaimed lover of fairytale illustrations also had an image in her head of a woman sitting by a wishing well, ready to cast her wish, captivated by the floating bubbles coming from a magical creature at the bottom of the well.
“Somehow, miraculously, Wishing Well is what came out of this after much tinkering and fabrication at the bench,” Lazar told National Jeweler.
What Lazar created is a visual effect that looks exactly like there is water moving under the stones.
The illusion is created using an all-gold setting with a kinetic component and some very precise fabrication.
See: The Wishing Well Collection in Action Below
While the result makes it seem simple, there were a lot of details to work out to create the effect, Lazar said.
She also noted that selecting the right gems is vital to the pieces, since the translucency, color, saturation, and inclusions can all affect the final “experience.”
The collection is one the designer said she’s been perfecting and experimenting with over the years, organically becoming an integral part of her brand’s lineup.
And it continues to evolve; Lazar said she has retired the mixed metal styles she used to offer and currently is working on 18-karat gold styles that start at $1,475.
But Wishing Well is just one of a few fantastical lines from the designer.
“Jewelry has always been a portal and retreat away from the chaos of daily life, so I want that space to be soothing and filled with light, whimsy, and magic. Sometimes I joke that my jewelry is for introverts as a means of an escape.”
See: Jewels from the Sceptre and Tiara Collections
She also noted that selecting the right gems is vital to the pieces, since the translucency, color, saturation, and inclusions can all affect the final “experience.”
The collection is one the designer said she’s been perfecting and experimenting with over the years, organically becoming an integral part of her brand’s lineup.
And it continues to evolve; Lazar said she has retired the mixed metal styles she used to offer and currently is working on 18-karat gold styles that start at $1,475.
But Wishing Well is just one of a few fantastical lines from the designer.
“Jewelry has always been a portal and retreat away from the chaos of daily life, so I want that space to be soothing and filled with light, whimsy, and magic. Sometimes I joke that my jewelry is for introverts as a means of an escape.”
See: Jewels from the Sceptre and Tiara Collections
This “Sceptre” pendant features a 4.96-carat free-form opal as well as tourmaline, tsavorite garnet, and diamond accents in 18-karat gold ($4,600).
The “Castle in the Sky” ring from the Tiara collection, featuring a Mexican fire opal and diamonds set in an 18-karat gold band carved with the brand’s signature “dragon scale” texture ($3,125)
The brand also has its “Sceptre” and “Tiara” collections to continue the fantasy theme while empowering the wearer via its classic regal symbols.
“These ideas are a metaphor, so I don’t try to literally copy these shapes into metal form; I only aim to translate and distill their essence into my jewelry.”
Both feature a plethora of colored gemstones, which, much like Wishing Well, require an investment of time to choose each stone and figure out which setting will best enhance it.
Some she might give a closed reflective backing to enhance the already present glow of a stone, she noted, while for others she may leave the back open to allow the color to better blend with the wearer’s skin.
To create a sense of light and motion that keeps the wearer’s eyes engaged with the jewels, Lazar utilizes her signature “dragon scale” texture on the metals, designed to reflect even more light.
To see her collections in person, visit Svetlana Lazar at the upcoming Melee New York jewelry trade show, slated for Aug. 15-17 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.
More on Collections
The Latest
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B DealMembers of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las VegasThe brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald MiningThe move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New CampaignThe retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
