CollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological RevivalCollectionsOct 11, 2024
Piece of the Week: Gemfields x Kimberly McDonald Jewelry Suite
The two collaborated on a necklace and a pair of earrings that praise the beauty of Zambian emeralds.
The irregular-shaped emerald drop earrings and irregular-shaped emerald tennis necklace from Gemfields’ collaboration with New York jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald
New York—Emeralds have long been associated with luxury and extravagance, historically used to symbolize wealth and status.
While the rare gem certainly inspires awe, it’s a treat when designers bring a playful and organic approach to working with emeralds.
New York-based designer Kimberly McDonald, who is known for her asymmetrical gem-set jewelry, has partnered with Gemfields to create a necklace and a pair of earrings using emeralds from the miner’s Kagem mine in Zambia.
Following a career working as a fine jewelry curator for private clients, McDonald launched her eponymous brand in 2007, focusing on the use of natural materials with an ethos of “creation without destruction.”
“I hope that when people experience one of my pieces, not only are they transfixed by the beautiful gems and craftsmanship; I hope that they are also inspired to be more mindful and protective of the planet that provides these magnificent little treasures that we wear as talismanic symbols of beauty and transducers of energy,” said McDonald.
While emeralds can range in color from bright and grassy greens to yellow-tinted hues, those mined in Zambia often have more of a bluish tint, giving this mini collection a deep, moody vibe that feels perfectly suited to the arrival of cooler months.
The irregular-shaped emerald drop earrings contain more than 26 carats of emeralds. Pear-shaped stones dangle from a chain of smaller emeralds set in a scattered design.
McDonald’s irregular-shaped emerald tennis necklace has a total of 34 carats. The pendant-style necklace uses emeralds in the same scatter design on a chain that culminates in a pear-shaped gemstone drop.
The stones for the pieces were all color-matched, a meticulous process that can take some designers months, years, or even decades.
Gemfields said its proprietary grading system, which sorts colored gemstones into over 200 grades based on their color, size, and clarity, helps to simplify the matching process for designers like McDonald.
“In marveling at Kimberly McDonald’s designs, we are able to appreciate the impact of color. The fresh, verdant green is a calming oasis for the eye, while the playful asymmetrical settings allow light to dance through each gem, heightening the impact of these beautifully color-matched pieces,” said Emily Dungey, Gemfields’ marketing and communications director.
“It is a delight to celebrate the emerald in this manner, truly letting the gemstones tell their story.”
The Kimberly McDonald x Gemfields collaboration is available to purchase at Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
Related stories will be right here …
While the rare gem certainly inspires awe, it’s a treat when designers bring a playful and organic approach to working with emeralds.
New York-based designer Kimberly McDonald, who is known for her asymmetrical gem-set jewelry, has partnered with Gemfields to create a necklace and a pair of earrings using emeralds from the miner’s Kagem mine in Zambia.
Following a career working as a fine jewelry curator for private clients, McDonald launched her eponymous brand in 2007, focusing on the use of natural materials with an ethos of “creation without destruction.”
“I hope that when people experience one of my pieces, not only are they transfixed by the beautiful gems and craftsmanship; I hope that they are also inspired to be more mindful and protective of the planet that provides these magnificent little treasures that we wear as talismanic symbols of beauty and transducers of energy,” said McDonald.
While emeralds can range in color from bright and grassy greens to yellow-tinted hues, those mined in Zambia often have more of a bluish tint, giving this mini collection a deep, moody vibe that feels perfectly suited to the arrival of cooler months.
The irregular-shaped emerald drop earrings contain more than 26 carats of emeralds. Pear-shaped stones dangle from a chain of smaller emeralds set in a scattered design.
McDonald’s irregular-shaped emerald tennis necklace has a total of 34 carats. The pendant-style necklace uses emeralds in the same scatter design on a chain that culminates in a pear-shaped gemstone drop.
The stones for the pieces were all color-matched, a meticulous process that can take some designers months, years, or even decades.
Gemfields said its proprietary grading system, which sorts colored gemstones into over 200 grades based on their color, size, and clarity, helps to simplify the matching process for designers like McDonald.
“In marveling at Kimberly McDonald’s designs, we are able to appreciate the impact of color. The fresh, verdant green is a calming oasis for the eye, while the playful asymmetrical settings allow light to dance through each gem, heightening the impact of these beautifully color-matched pieces,” said Emily Dungey, Gemfields’ marketing and communications director.
“It is a delight to celebrate the emerald in this manner, truly letting the gemstones tell their story.”
The Kimberly McDonald x Gemfields collaboration is available to purchase at Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
More on Collections
The Latest
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
