The Best Animal Jewelry I Saw in Vegas
From bugs to birds, these are Associate Editor Lenore Fedow’s favorite animal jewels from jewelry market week.
![During Las Vegas jewelry market week, Associate Editor, News, Lenore Fedow compiled her list of the best animal jewels, including this moth ring by Lord Jewelry ($10,300). Lord Jewelry moth ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a9f9437baa8210330a86a8be66171d3f.jpg)
Well, when it rains, it pours. I spent jewelry market week in Las Vegas, or the “Jewelry Olympics” as I like to call it, looking at a ton of jewelry.
When I’m at a booth, I like to ask what a person’s favorite piece is, a question that is almost always met with a serious, thoughtful look. For designers especially, I realize I am presenting them with an impossible question.
I’ve always been drawn to animal jewelry, whether it be bugs, birds, or wild cats, so this year I decided to answer my own question by compiling a list of my favorite animal jewels I saw at the shows.
As someone who rarely covers fashion and trends, my jewelry design vocabulary is limited, so a lot of what I’m showing you is just what I like and, really, just for fun.
From JCK to Couture to the antique show, these are my top picks for the best animal jewelry I saw in Vegas.
Lord Jewelry
Lord Jewelry is a Los Angeles-based brand, run by a father-daughter duo, Lena and Sinork Agdere.
Amid the hustle and bustle of Vegas planning, I did not have a chance to make an appointment to stop by their booth, but Lena saw me in the hallway and insisted I take five minutes to visit with them at Couture.
I would’ve stayed five hours if I had the time. The enamel work I saw here was nothing short of inspiring.
A favorite of mine is the moth ring, seen at the top of the article. I didn’t know a moth could be this beautiful, with his plique-a-jour enamel wings and diamond-studded head.
![An 18-karat yellow gold butterfly ring with plique-a-jour enamel wings by Lord Jewelry ($9,600) Lord Jewelry butterfly ring](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcTFRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--24e4d7b1322e1d2edf29309314cf62d580d4ae72/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_2-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This butterfly’s wings also got the plique-a-jour enamel treatment.
![An 18-karat yellow gold peacock ring by Lord Jewelry, set with emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds, and accented by intricate enamel work Lord Jewelry peacock ring](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcTVRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--bb11fe194cefb225e49d16f25c6ee58bd8cb929f/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_3-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This peacock ring, one of several peacocks you’ll see featured here, is a showstopper, set with emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds and topped with gorgeous enamel details.
Picchiotti
Picchiotti is one of many storied Italian jewelers.
Founded around 50 years ago in Valenza, Italy, the brand is one of my favorites, managing to find that delicate balance between heritage design and innovation.
I last saw the Picchiotti team on its home turf while attending Vicenzaoro in January, but I made sure to stop by in Vegas, and I’m glad I did.
![A Picchiotti “Masterpieces” peacock brooch, set with 24 pear-cut Zambian emeralds (about 20 carats), four pear-cut fancy yellow diamonds (1.03 carats) and round diamonds (8.91 carats), topped with a hematite beak (price available upon request). 20230626_4-Animal Jewelry.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcTlRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--16677bdd446eb0e69da6ddbe9d55eae9fc3cc669/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_4-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This peacock brooch made me want to become the type of person who wears a brooch. From his diamond head feathers to the emeralds scattered throughout his tail, he was a sight to see.
Swarovski
Swarovski is always a fun stop at the Las Vegas shows. In recent years, under the creative direction of Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, it’s been crafting more big and bold jewels.
In my years at National Jeweler, I’ve clocked a bit of snobbishness when it comes to jewelry that doesn’t meet the definition of “fine jewelry,” or God forbid, comes in silver.
But I love fashion jewelry, and silver jewelry for that matter, and you can’t look at this turtle and tell me there’s no place for him.
![Swarovski’s gold tone-plated “Idyllia” turtle cocktail ring, set with crystals and cubic zirconia ($380) Swarovski turtle ring](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBckJRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--782517c1cfa1fe595811d33d8af935dc76d95d5f/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_5-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
He reminded me that jewelry doesn’t have to be so serious.
Bibi van der Velden
I had admired Bibi van der Velden’s jewels from afar, until my recent appointment at Couture.
Her latest “Waves” collection is “mermaidcore” taken to the next level, but her signature alligator jewels were really something.
![The 18-karat gold “Alligator Twist” ring by Bibi van der Velden with malachite scales and tsavorite eyes ($12,030) Bibi van der Velden alligator ring](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBckZRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--ea347fd699fcab2efdfd2e46fcf27f146ade43a7/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_6-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This alligator ring, with malachite scales going down its back and tsavorite eyes, was a stunner.
![The 18-karat yellow gold and sterling silver “Scarab Fly” ring by Bibi van der Velden, featuring real scarab wings, white and brown diamonds, green tsavorite, and orange and yellow sapphires ($11,870) Bibi van der Velden scarab ring](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBckpRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--0b70e56147ad1a54798a6ec85c31df7a8a2fd43c/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_7-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This scarab ring, featuring real scarab wings, is a testament to why these beetles have been commemorated in jewelry since ancient times. The ring is about the size of an actual scarab, which I thought was cool.
The iridescent color on the wings is a natural marvel, set with orange and yellow sapphires. It has white and brown diamonds by the head and green tsavorite eyes.
Simon G.
My visit with Simon G. was eye-opening. I was familiar with the name, but this was my first time getting to see these jewels in person.
Simon G. had something for everyone, from bridal jewels to statement pieces to men’s jewelry to, of course, animal jewels.
I noticed bees have been getting a lot of love from jewelry designers, and rightfully so since they do so much for us!
![An 18-karat yellow gold and diamond bee ring by Simon G. ($2,290) Simon G. bee ring](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBck5RIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--2c7b15b71d640da648d80853ba771cc3faddc9d8/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_8-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This 18-karat yellow gold bee ring is a cutie. He’s got diamonds where his black stripes and eyes would be, with even more diamond accents down the band.
For a bold look, I’d pair him with these ear cuffs.
![A pair of 18-karat white and yellow gold ear cuffs, featuring a diamond-set bee and flowers made of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds ($10,560) Simon G. bee ear cuffs](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBclJRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--50f8a04e2894c3d358f29150678ebada4889600b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_9-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This one-of-a-kind set features our friend the bee again surrounded by flowers made of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. It’s also a fun take on the mixed metal looks that were trending at the shows.
To round out my selection of best bug jewels, there is this dragonfly pendant that caught my eye. He has brushed yellow and black gold wings, big sapphire eyes, and a diamond tail.
![An 18-karat black and yellow gold dragonfly pendant ($3,170) Simon G. dragonfly pendant](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBclZRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--6750f0527a488e668114c04d9fb785f8f2317cff/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_10-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
Alexis Pavlantos
I stopped by the Women’s Jewelry Association’s booth within JCK’s Design Collective section to meet with the emerging designers showcasing there. The designers were a part of WJA’s business development program known as the Jewelry Loupe Project.
Every designer in there was worth seeing, but if you’re into animal jewelry, Alexis Pavlantos is a must-know.
![A 14-karat yellow gold praying mantis necklace by Alexis Pavlantos ($4,700) Alexis Pavlantos praying mantis necklace](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBclpRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--b4c785c7074226711d6b71aa8a793af64bc5ec30/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_11-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This praying mantis necklace was a jaw-dropper for me. Pavlantos created him by hand-carving each component from wax and then casting it in 14-karat yellow gold. (There is also a silver version.)
He has two sapphires hanging from his little feelers, one pear-shaped and one oval-shaped.
Windsor Jewelers
Animals have been incorporated into jewelry since ancient times, so there was no shortage of cool animal jewelry at the antique show.
Windsor Jewelers’ booth had the goods, let me tell you.
For starters, look at this peacock ring from Boucheron.
![An 18-karat white gold peacock ring by Boucheron set with diamonds, rubies, and pink and yellow sapphires ($35,000 via Windsor Jewelers) A Boucheron peacock ring](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcmRRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--506fc771dd6c8c09ee430dd265bd3fea3c44efcb/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_12-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
He’s got an 18-karat white gold body with feathers decked out in diamonds, rubies, and pink and yellow sapphires.
I’m aware this is the third peacock jewel I’m featuring in this article, but I couldn’t leave him out.
The pièce de résistance of the booth, and possibly of the animal jewels, had to be this bundled up penguin. He’s so cute I can’t stand him.
![This penguin ring ($17,550) at Windsor Jeweler’s booth stole my heart with his little matching hat and scarf set. Penguin ring](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcmhRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--0a4a0da47e4bce560402422616ff3e04f99c4447/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_13-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
He’s made of 18-karat white gold with white and black diamond feathers, blue topaz eyes, and a yellow-orange sapphire nose. His hat and scarf are made of blue ceramic.
I almost didn’t include him in the piece for fear someone would buy him before I could sell my prized possessions and buy him myself.
Omi Privé
As much as I love the penguin brooch, I may have saved the best for last here.
Omi Privé is always a must-stop for me and a mainstay on my “if I won the lottery” list.
When I visit with the team there, I’m expecting to see gorgeous gemstones, and I’m never disappointed.
I was talking with Natalie, an employee at the booth, about the fun animal jewelry I’d been seeing when she said, “Well then, you have to meet Alexis.”
![The 18-karat white gold “Alexis” brooch by Omi Privé, set with natural color-change rough alexandrite and diamonds with green tsavorite eyes, a ruby tongue, and a movable tail and legs. Omi Privé alexandrite lizard brooch](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcmxRIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--94d4514eab02c88e6c03163afee3d9f2165418a4/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20230626_14-Animal%20Jewelry.jpg)
This is Alexis, an 18-karat white gold lizard brooch set with natural color-change rough alexandrite and diamonds. She has green tsavorite eyes and a ruby set culet-up to form a tongue that sticks out, with a movable tail and legs.
Her story began when Omi Privé President Niveet Nagpal purchased a parcel of rough alexandrite from the Lake Manyara region in Tanzania in 2008.
He envisioned a chameleon brooch, since alexandrite has color-change properties, but as the design process continued, the rough lended itself more to a lizard/gecko shape, he said.
It took about five to six years to finish the piece after acquiring the rough, though the design process was closer to seven or eight months.
“Some wax carving, many irritations occurred during the process and were scrapped until the right shape and movement could be achieved. As the tail and limbs are fully articulated, it is quite a design and engineering feat,” said Nagpal.
“The biggest challenge was to create the piece with some delicacy, movement, and detail, while still making sure it is durable enough to be worn often and last generations.”
Kudos to the team at Omi Privé because Alexis is a masterpiece.
When I look at these animal jewels, it reminds me of the intrinsic connection between jewelry and nature, how one couldn’t be without the other. It’s a beautiful and complicated thought that we take materials from the earth to celebrate and mirror its beauty and its creatures.
On a related note, this story would’ve been written much faster if my tuxedo cat Stormy had not taken a stroll across my keyboard many times during the writing process looking for pets, or I wasn’t distracted by my sister sending photos of our pit bull Rock sunning himself on a gorgeous summer day.
When I think of how much joy animals add to my life, be it my pets or an animal in the wild, I can understand why we use Mother Nature’s most precious materials to honor them.
So, here’s to the bugs, the birds, the cats, the penguins, and the wild jewelers who celebrate them.
The Latest
![Direct-to-consumer retail brand Diamonds Direct has opened a store in the Atlanta neighborhood of Buckhead, an area known for its upscale malls. Diamonds Direct Atlanta store](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/2e6577afc9470ba1c1de327fad397366.jpg)
It’s the Signet-owned banner’s first location in Georgia.
![These “Double Loop” earrings feature a drop-cut amethyst sitting atop the lower hoop, totaling 1.60 carats between both earrings. The hoops are made of silver covered in “pistacchio” colored enamel, while 9-karat yellow gold holds the stones in place and connect the two hoops behind the earlobe ($1,770). Bea Bongiasca’s Double Loop Earrings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f338ef6b4603be3c97765f833b831ca0.jpg)
Commemorate “brat summer” with these green hoops.
Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America
![Untitled design.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/583fbcb2bb839782810080debef35d3c.jpg)
As the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
![Earlier this month, online giant Amazon and the Better Business Bureau filed a joint federal lawsuit against ReviewServiceUSA.com for allegedly selling fake reviews, both positive and negative. Amazon package outside door](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/27fce4225a38900d54a5536ce523a22d.jpg)
They claim ReviewServiceUSA.com was selling both positive and negative reviews of products and businesses.
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![A shot of the Venetia diamond mine in South Africa, owned by De Beers Group. The diamond miner and marketer saw revenue drop 21 percent and rough diamond sales decline 20 percent in a “weak” market for diamonds. De Beers’ Venetia diamond mine](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a1f16ceaaba662e80385166060d192a7.jpg)
Lab-grown diamond sales in the United States and ongoing economic challenges in China are impacting natural diamond demand.
A longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
![1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9d60901b44425a53b9010301897a3bbc.jpg)
GIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
![A malachite and diamond bracelet from Pomellato’s “Pom Pom Dot” collection, launched earlier this year. Pomellato and Boucheron were bright spots for Kering in an otherwise underwhelming first half of the year. Pomellato Malachite Pom Pom Dot bracelet](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3c237b62e009742fc52487097daf3c5a.jpg)
The gains come amid a tough time for parent company Kering, which saw sales slide 11 percent in the first half of the year.
![Volunteers and Shane Co.’s corporate team from all 22 locations of the family-owned jewelry chain have begun packing backpacks with school supplies for teachers to distribute to their students this school year. Shane Co. and the Kids in Need foundation logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1c5abfb36ec775724f014f47bfbb47fc.jpg)
The fine jewelry retailer filled backpacks with back-to-school essentials for students in 13 states.
![A shot from the advertising campaign for LVMH-owned Bulgari’s “Eden the Garden of Wonders” high jewelry collection. LVMH’s jewelry and watch sales slipped in the first half of the fiscal year. Bulgari high jewelry campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c24eb75ca8cea44d2e9859648f4a98ee.jpg)
Tiffany & Co. is focusing on its “iconic” collections while the company has made changes at the top at TAG Heuer and Hublot.
![Chaumet, a Parisian jeweler owned by LVMH, has designed the Olympic and Paralympic Games medals. Chaumet Paris 2024 Olympics medals](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7831b3a738baddfc7d783e6df0fbf796.jpg)
The Parisian brand is the first jewelry company in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
![The acquisition of Union Life & Casualty by Jewelers Mutual will help strengthen both the pawn market and the insurance industry, said JM. Jewelers Mutual and Union Life and Casualty logos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/195925667226ecfc51b4e1bb09607143.jpg)
Union Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
![The winner of this year’s Lonia Tate scholarship, Bradlei Smith will receive the opportunity to earn her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and, following graduation, an internship at Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle. Bradlei Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/996834935ae30a7a1195db8b9db6cb7d.jpg)
Los Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
![Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, sales trainer, and author. He can be reached via email at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com. National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/bec7295a7f478778b1c196e6d81e7cd9.jpg)
In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
![De Beers Group mined 6.4 million carats of diamonds in the second quarter of 2024, down from 7.6 million in the same period last year. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films) De Beers rough diamond display](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/80cd02b1c8384f4b2efda0bcdf6a75e1.jpg)
The company also reported the $150 million sale of an iron ore royalty right, part of its ongoing effort to divest “non-core” assets.
![In honor of its summer bridal event, Long’s Jewelers is partnering with Wequassett Resort and Golf Club on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and jewelry brand JB Star on a vacation giveaway. Long’s Jewelers giveaway promo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4e7a90944c4e8875a4f3818dbe26b28b.jpg)
The giveaway is part of the New England jeweler’s summer bridal event.
![L.A.-based flower designer, Sophia Moreno-Bunge models Guzema’s “Hidden Beauty” collection in front of a garden in Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, California. Sophia Moreno-Bunge of Isa Isa modeling Guzema’s Hidden Beauty collection](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6f3822623eb7fd2f6468f82825194cb1.jpg)
The ad features three celebrity florists creating floral sculptures while wearing jewelry by Guzema.
![The Entrepreneurship Grants program supports winners with financial aid to scale their businesses and increase their societal impact, said Diamonds Do Good. Pictured here are three of the 13 winners, top right is Tresia Shituula, and bottom row left to right, are Monkgogi Moshaga and Mohamed Samu. Tresia Shituula, Monkgogi Moshaga, Mohamed Samu](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a7c9b87301b76a9446f6522747ce5b95.jpg)
The grant provided a total of $100,000 to support 13 entrepreneurs from diamond communities in Africa and India.
![Ghazi Osta, better known as Gus, was the owner and president of Volusia Gold & Diamond, a store he and his wife, Leigh Osta, opened in 1986. He was shot and killed inside the store Friday afternoon after a brief argument with a regular customer. (Photo courtesy of Volusia Gold & Diamond Facebook page) Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c8c1fa3df746cbd364915a98dcac9d21.jpg)
Ghazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
![Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez (left) is the Responsible Jewellery Council’s new head of North American development, and Effie Marinos is its new specialist advisor for technical standards. Elyssa Jenkins-Perez and Effie Marinos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/94332af0c7a776e7a8c36fabf76baa5f.jpg)
The organization also announced Effie Marinos as its new specialist advisor for technical standards, as well as four other appointments.
![Karen Rentmeesters, who joined the Antwerp World Diamond Centre in 2010, will take on the role of CEO. Karen Rentmeesters](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3256fcc71cd43a399055c61f68486269.jpg)
Rentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
![Longtime Washington, D.C., jeweler Brian Mann (right) with his wife Jessie Mann, an artist who custom-paints porcelain Limoges Boxes, at a 2016 Jewelers of America member event. Mann, the longtime co-owner of David Mann Jewelers, died June 21 at age 70. Brian and Jessie Mann](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/be4debc6e0b3198943a66ef0e2197c2c.jpg)
Mann, whose family’s jewelry store was located inside the Pentagon, is remembered for being a thoughtful champion of the industry.
![The 1916 Company recently opened a new Tudor boutique in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Tudor store in Denver](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9f8600ea53ed731963331ebd28a10d16.jpg)
The 500-square-foot boutique is located in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
![This necklace from Messika’s “So Move Max” set is made of yellow gold with 19.18-carats of brilliant-cut diamonds and designed with circle motifs that move within the links (price upon request). Messika’s So Move Max Necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/14c78af4a4e8c6b996a81bbb5a5bc69f.jpg)
Dance all night long with the “So Move Max” set’s necklace.
![On Sept. 1, Julien Tornare (left), current CEO of TAG Heuer, will become CEO of Hublot. Antoine Pin, now the general manager of Bulgari’s watch business, will take over Tornare’s role as CEO of TAG Heuer. (Images courtesy of LinkedIn) Julien Tornare and Antoine Pin](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b24627b34ece895ddd254bae22751fb8.jpg)
Luxury giant LVMH is reshuffling the leadership in its watches division.
![A rendering of a billboard from Etsy’s new campaign. The campaign is designed to highlight the platform’s creators and how their products are made. Etsy billboard rendering in NYC](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9a94f394f326b90dc1c9da6a711c5e09.jpg)
Sellers and shoppers have spoken out against a rise in mass-produced merchandise on the platform meant to highlight handmade goods.