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 independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.


Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.