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)
More on Collections
The Latest
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
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.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
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.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
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.
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.
