Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsLab-GrownDec 02, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Set Sells for $55K at Charity Auction
Monique Lhuillier and Kay Jewelers collaborated to create the pieces, which were offered at the recent Baby2Baby gala.
The custom lab-grown diamond jewelry set was intentionally designed for the Baby2Baby gala auction, an event hosted by the nonprofit organization to raise support for its mission of providing children living in poverty with basic necessities. Seen here is the “Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers” necklace, one of the four pieces from the collaborative set.
West Hollywood, Calif.—Fashion and bridal designer Monique Lhuillier has collaborated with Kay Jewelers to create a custom lab-grown diamond jewelry ensemble that was auctioned for charity at the 2024 Baby2Baby gala in November.
The “Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers” set includes a necklace, ring, bracelet, and earrings, all set in 18-karat white gold and together featuring 350 lab-grown diamonds totaling about 97 carats.
Each piece was auctioned separately, with all selling but the bracelet, in the 24-lot sale featuring fine jewelry and timepieces, artwork, and experiences.
The set (minus the bracelet) realized for a total of $55,000, less than its estimate of $132,000.
The necklace, estimated at $60,000, sold for $30,000; the earrings, estimated at $30,000, sold for $15,000; and the ring, estimated at $20,000, sold for $10,000.
“The Baby2Baby organization does incredible work, and we’re thrilled to contribute to their mission in a meaningful way by donating a one-of-a-kind, custom jewelry ensemble that helped raise funds for a worthy cause and made a positive impact, both within the jewelry industry and in the broader community,” said Lisa Ingram, Signet vice president of merchandising.
The “Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers” set includes a necklace, ring, bracelet, and earrings, all set in 18-karat white gold and together featuring 350 lab-grown diamonds totaling about 97 carats.
Each piece was auctioned separately, with all selling but the bracelet, in the 24-lot sale featuring fine jewelry and timepieces, artwork, and experiences.
The set (minus the bracelet) realized for a total of $55,000, less than its estimate of $132,000.
The necklace, estimated at $60,000, sold for $30,000; the earrings, estimated at $30,000, sold for $15,000; and the ring, estimated at $20,000, sold for $10,000.
“The Baby2Baby organization does incredible work, and we’re thrilled to contribute to their mission in a meaningful way by donating a one-of-a-kind, custom jewelry ensemble that helped raise funds for a worthy cause and made a positive impact, both within the jewelry industry and in the broader community,” said Lisa Ingram, Signet vice president of merchandising.
This 18-karat white gold necklace features 163 lab-grown diamonds with 5-carat oval- and pear-shaped diamonds dropping from a floral motif. It sold for $30,000, against an estimate of $60,000.
The “Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers” bracelet is the only piece in the set that did not sell at the Baby2Baby gala charity auction. It was estimated to sell for $22,000.
With 26 lab-grown diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, these earrings, estimated to fetch $30,000, sold for $15,000.
The “Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers” ring features a 5-carat oval-shaped lab-grown diamond and a 5-carat pear-shaped lab-grown diamond. It sold for $10,000, against an estimate of $20,000.
Each piece features designs reminiscent of the floral motifs, lacework, embroidery, and feminine silhouettes that are found in Lhuillier’s bridal collection and her “Monique Lhuillier Bliss” bridal jewelry line made in collaboration with Kay Jewelers.
It launched in 2021 and has expanded to include colored gemstones, as well as colorless and, most recently, colored lab-grown diamonds.
For her collection, which inspired the design of the auction set, Lhuillier opted to include lab-grown diamonds, because it allowed for the creation of bold, larger-than-life jewelry at an accessible price point.
“We sought to maintain a seamless continuity in both the materials and design elements used in the custom lab-created diamond ensemble, staying true to the essence of the ‘Monique Lhuillier Bliss’ collection,” said Ingram.
Lhuillier and Kay Jewelers’ set was created intentionally for the 2024 Baby2Baby gala auction, as Lhuillier is a member of the nonprofit organization’s board.
The organization hosts celebrities, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists at the annual event to drive support of its cause to provide children living in poverty across America with basic necessities like diapers, formula, and clothing.
“Being a mother myself, I was motivated by children in need. I feel a strong connection to help those who don’t have access to the basic resources many take for granted. I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact on children and families living in poverty,” said Lhuillier.
The 2024 gala raised $17.1 million, which Baby2Baby said will allow it to help children whose families are “forced to make impossible choices on a daily basis between buying diapers or feeding their children.”
The continued collaboration between Lhuillier and Kay Jewelers follows the banner’s recent rebrand geared at appealing to the next generation.
Along with a new creative plan, store redesigns, and updated product assortment, the jewelry retailer is seeking to infiltrate pop-culture moments.
Before being offered at the Baby2Baby gala auction, the Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers set made its debut on the red carpet at this year’s Emmy Awards in September.
Hulu’s “The Bear” actress Abby Elliott wore the “Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers” set to this year’s Emmys as Kay Jewelers targets a new generation of shoppers by “infiltrating into pop-culture moments,” like this awards show.
Actress Abby Elliott from Hulu’s “The Bear” wore the one-of-a-kind ring and earrings from the set to the event, where the show won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series.
“Debuting the collaborative custom ensemble with renowned fashion designer Monique Lhuillier at a notable cultural moment like the Emmys allows us to strategically position ourselves to meet our customers where they are, while also reaching new audiences,” said Ingram.
“This also created an opportunity to build awareness of our long-standing partnership with Monique and demonstrate our custom design capabilities that drive consideration to the beauty, quality, and uniqueness that Kay can create.”
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
