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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter AwardReeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac PendantThe piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
