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
Events & AwardsNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
