CollectionsJun 27, 2022
This Designer Has Found a New Way to Bring Gemstones to LifeCollectionsJun 28, 2022
Melissa Kaye’s New Collection Doubles the Color
“Lenox” marks the designer’s foray into bespoke jewels and large colored gemstones.
Rings from Melissa Kaye’s new “Lenox” collection, debuted in Las Vegas at the Couture show
New York—In the past few years, Melissa Kaye has been leading the conversation of color in fine jewelry.
Whether formulating enamel in unexpected neon shades or delving into a pastel palette, the New York City-based designer is unafraid to break into new color territory.
Her latest chapter pairs bright, saturated colored gemstones with her signature enamel. By nature, each piece in the new “Lenox” collection is one-of-a-kind, with a thoughtfully selected gem receiving its own enamel halo per the designer’s inclination.
“We’ve had amazing success with our neon collection since its launch in 2019 and continued to expand it to different silhouettes, but there was always the question of, ‘What’s next? What’s the new neon?’” said Kaye.
“I wanted to keep the theme of our punchy color palette but introduce something new, and that is where vibrant large-scale gemstones came into play, adding another pop of color.”
Paraiba-type tourmalines, for example, are bordered by lime green enamel for a tropical tonal look or surrounded with hot pink enamel for unexpected contrast. A pink sapphire might be framed with nearly matching bright pink enamel or juxtaposed with a tennis ball yellow neon.
Kaye follows her instincts when combining shades, creating her own set of rules.
“It was important to me to choose gems that married well with our signature fluorescent enamel,” she explained.
“The ones we chose—vivid pink sapphires and spinel, rubies, and [Paraiba-type] tourmaline—all have a neon quality themselves. Each gemstone was then paired with a complementary enamel bezel, whether it be a shade that created a more monochromatic look or something that had more of a contrasting pop.”
Lenox also marks Kaye’s venture into creating more custom and one-of-a-kind pieces. Though she has a distinctive eye and taste for gemstones, she’s also happy to work with clients’ existing pieces, re-setting gems from family heirlooms, for instance.
“The silhouettes lend themselves very well to customization,” Kaye said.
At launch, the Lenox collection comprises juicy cocktail rings and delicate tennis necklaces with gemstone pendants. The pendants have also been engineered as interchangeable necklace clasps.
“I like to create pieces that have an interesting function, so the enamel and gemstone components on the tennis necklaces are removable clasps that can be switched out, giving clients the opportunity to collect them and change things up based on their mood.”
Rings start at $9,400 and cap off at $28,650, while pendants begin at 16,850 and top off at $28,450. See more on the designer’s website.
Whether formulating enamel in unexpected neon shades or delving into a pastel palette, the New York City-based designer is unafraid to break into new color territory.
Her latest chapter pairs bright, saturated colored gemstones with her signature enamel. By nature, each piece in the new “Lenox” collection is one-of-a-kind, with a thoughtfully selected gem receiving its own enamel halo per the designer’s inclination.
“We’ve had amazing success with our neon collection since its launch in 2019 and continued to expand it to different silhouettes, but there was always the question of, ‘What’s next? What’s the new neon?’” said Kaye.
“I wanted to keep the theme of our punchy color palette but introduce something new, and that is where vibrant large-scale gemstones came into play, adding another pop of color.”
Paraiba-type tourmalines, for example, are bordered by lime green enamel for a tropical tonal look or surrounded with hot pink enamel for unexpected contrast. A pink sapphire might be framed with nearly matching bright pink enamel or juxtaposed with a tennis ball yellow neon.
Kaye follows her instincts when combining shades, creating her own set of rules.
“It was important to me to choose gems that married well with our signature fluorescent enamel,” she explained.
“The ones we chose—vivid pink sapphires and spinel, rubies, and [Paraiba-type] tourmaline—all have a neon quality themselves. Each gemstone was then paired with a complementary enamel bezel, whether it be a shade that created a more monochromatic look or something that had more of a contrasting pop.”
Lenox also marks Kaye’s venture into creating more custom and one-of-a-kind pieces. Though she has a distinctive eye and taste for gemstones, she’s also happy to work with clients’ existing pieces, re-setting gems from family heirlooms, for instance.
“The silhouettes lend themselves very well to customization,” Kaye said.
At launch, the Lenox collection comprises juicy cocktail rings and delicate tennis necklaces with gemstone pendants. The pendants have also been engineered as interchangeable necklace clasps.
“I like to create pieces that have an interesting function, so the enamel and gemstone components on the tennis necklaces are removable clasps that can be switched out, giving clients the opportunity to collect them and change things up based on their mood.”
Rings start at $9,400 and cap off at $28,650, while pendants begin at 16,850 and top off at $28,450. See more on the designer’s website.
From the Lenox collection, this pendant that also functions as a removable necklace clasp is crafted in 18-karat white gold with a Nigerian Paraiba-type 3.49-carat tourmaline ($18,900 for pendant only)
Ring in 18-karat yellow gold with neon orange enamel and 2.18-carat Sri Lankan natural vivid pink sapphire ($14,450)
Pendant in 18-karat yellow gold with 3.06-carat natural vivid pink Burmese sapphire and baby blue enamel ($22,200 for pendant only)
Ring in 18-karat yellow gold with Nigerian Paraiba-type natural tourmaline weighing 2.45 carats and neon pink enamel ($28,650)
Ring in 18-karat yellow gold with natural pink spinel weighing 2.1 carats and neon yellow enamel ($12,700)
Pendant in 18-karat yellow gold with 3.01-carat natural vivid pink Tanzanian spinel and neon pink enamel ($17,800 for pendant only)
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
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.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
