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
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
