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.

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
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
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.
The Latest

The 197-carat Russian Crown jewel was the leading lot of Sotheby's white-glove Royal & Noble Jewels sale this week.

Alter’s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas, is closing as Brian and Lori Alter retire to spend more time with family.

Five finalists have been chosen for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award’s second cycle.

With over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.

Three of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.


Unseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.

The curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

The next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.

The 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.

If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.

An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.

These nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.

The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.

GIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.

From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

























