Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.

The partnership merges Smith's signature craftsmanship with Hylton's innovative designs, the brand said.
Smith, a 19-year cancer survivor, was diagnosed with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
Her journey inspired her to launch the eponymous brand in 2011.
In 2018, she partnered with award-winning artist Mary J. Blige on “Sister Love,” a jewelry line inspired by their friendship and shared love of statement pieces. She also worked with advocacy nonprofit Color of Change on the “Black Love” collection.
Hylton, her latest collaborative partner, is known for styling well-known names in hip-hop, such as Mary J. Blige, Lil’ Kim, and Missy Elliott, and she’s often referenced as an early leader of the “ghetto fabulous” aesthetic.
“Creating with my big sis Simone for the ‘Denim and Diamonds’ collection was an effortless and organic process. Our love for celebrating fashion and style rooted in the hip hop style aesthetic will be felt in every piece of this capsule collection,” said Hylton.
Their collection applies themes of sophistication, glamour, and a touch of urban flair, the designers said, with each piece a testament to the individual creativity and artistry of the two brands.
“Denim and Diamonds” was designed as a refreshing take on contemporary jewelry, blending the “rugged charm” of denim with diamonds, fusing style and substance.
“Misa and I have been friends for over 20 years and we both love all things fashion. We’ve been talking about doing a collaboration for many years now, but timing is everything and the time is now,” said Smith.
“When Thee Fashion Icon Misa Hylton and Thee Queen of Hoops Simone I. Smith collaborate, you get collectible must-have statement pieces. Welcome to the world of fly girl luxury and sophistication.”
The collection arrives on the heels of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.
In November, Smith was honored at The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC)’s inaugural “Rock the Jewels” event.
At the celebration, created to recognize how the music genre has influenced the gem and jewelry industry, Smith took home the first BIJC “Rock the Jewels Award.”
She was chosen for her “contributions to the jewelry industry, her outstanding resilience, philanthropic endeavors, and her unwavering support of the Black community,” said BIJC.
Though the genre’s milestone was recognized officially last year, celebrations of its influence on culture are ongoing.
A special installation, “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry,” will open May 9 at New York City’s American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).
The “SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” doorknocker earrings are available to shop now on the Simone I. Smith website, and additional pieces will launch in drops.
The Latest

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.


The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

One is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.

9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.

The jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.

The exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.

Marquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.

The inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.

The family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.

Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.

The reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

In the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.























