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.
Watercolor Rendering Design Course Coming to NYC
This month, Rémy Rotenier is bringing his expertise to the New York Jewelry Design Institute for a five-day workshop.

New York--No matter the technological advances, the ability to sketch and visually communicate one’s vision will always be an essential element of creation for jewelry designers.
This month, award-winning designer Rémy Rotenier will bring his expertise in this area to the New York Jewelry Design Institute (NYJDI) in Manhattan’s Diamond District for a five-day rendering and watercolor course called “Master the Art of Traditional Watercolor Techniques.”
“A sketch expresses more information than words ever do,” said Rotenier. “Being able to draw better will feel like knowing a new language, and people love seeing the design come to life before their eyes. It is a wonderful communications and selling tool.”
Rotenier was a staff designer at Tiffany & Co. in the 1990s. He went on to work as the design director for jewelry company Kabana. Now he designs for his own company, Rémy Designs.
Rotenier also designs Rémy Rotenier for Bella Luce, a diamond simulant collection that is sold on Jewelry Television.
The NYJDI focuses on skills-based courses that help designers learn computer-aided design (CAD), rapid rendering, Illustrator and Photoshop.
“Here, old-school technique meets new-school technology,” said Jenine Lepera Izzi, the founder of NYJDI. “When NYJDI opened, it was because students wanted a place to learn and understand the concepts of CAD in simplified steps. We wanted to show them it wasn’t intimidating, and the course has been our signature since."
Of the upcoming watercolor intensive Izzi said, “Rémy teaches an art that we don’t want to lose as a ‘lost art.’ Watercolor rendering is beautiful, and offers designers something exceptional to present to clients.”
“Master the Art of Traditional Watercolor Techniques” is scheduled for Nov. 16 to 20. Classes will run from 9am to 6pm daily. Tuition is $1,295 plus tax.
For more information, visit NYJDI.com.
The Latest

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.

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

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.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

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.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.























