CollectionsOct 02, 2024
Brilliant Earth Debuts Jane Goodall CollectionIndependentsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New Collection
A portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi helped to design this collection by Heller Jewelers, which shares a name with her foundation, showcasing the North Star and an upwards arrow to embody a message of hope, ambition, and confidence.
San Ramon, Calif.—Heller Jewelers, an independent California-based jewelry store, has partnered with Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi for its “Always Dream” collection.
Yamaguchi won a gold medal in singles figure skating at the 1992 Albertville Olympics and was the first Asian American woman to do so in a Winter Olympics.
She then went on to start the Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources for families in need to empower future generations through early childhood literacy.
The Always Dream collection was inspired by Yamaguchi’s foundation as its North Star logo is seen across three necklaces.
The logo’s upwards arrow represents growth, moving forward, and achieving new heights and when used on the pieces it embodies a message of hope, ambition, and confidence, explained the jeweler.
Yamaguchi won a gold medal in singles figure skating at the 1992 Albertville Olympics and was the first Asian American woman to do so in a Winter Olympics.
She then went on to start the Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources for families in need to empower future generations through early childhood literacy.
The Always Dream collection was inspired by Yamaguchi’s foundation as its North Star logo is seen across three necklaces.
The logo’s upwards arrow represents growth, moving forward, and achieving new heights and when used on the pieces it embodies a message of hope, ambition, and confidence, explained the jeweler.
The “Always Dream” necklace in 14-karat yellow gold ($650). It is also available in white gold, along with the rest of the collection.
The “Always Dream” medallion necklace ($2,350). Proceeds from this collection will directly support the Always Dream foundation.
The “Always Dream” charm necklace, which features the logo from Yamaguchi’s foundation dedicated to early childhood literacy ($1,190)
Together Yamaguchi and Scott Heller, the founder of Heller Jewelers, worked to create these pieces in a way that captured the essence of Always Dream and the values that the jeweler shares with the foundation.
“Each necklace in this collection is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of hope, a reminder that dreams can be realized through education, and a tribute to the resilience of young minds,” said the jeweler.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this collection will directly support the foundation, going to the Always Reading program. The program provides families across the San Francisco Bay Area and Hawai’i with tools to foster a love of reading at home to ensure success for children both in school and in their lives.
The collection’s three styles come in 14-karat yellow and white gold, ranging in price from $650 to $2,350.
It debuted on Sept. 20, but the pieces will be featured at the Always Dream gala on Nov. 2 where an Always Dream medallion necklace will be auctioned off.
The Always Dream collection is available on Heller Jewelers’ website and at its City Center Bishop Ranch location in San Ramon, California.
Donations can also be made to the foundation without purchasing a piece on Always Dream’s website.
More on Independents
The Latest
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
