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

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.


The Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.