From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Jayden Star’s Patrick Retzer Joins Brevani
Brevani is the branded division of jewelry manufacturer Color Merchants.
New York--Jewelry manufacturer Color Merchants Inc. has added a vice president of sales to help it develop Brevani into a “must-have” brand.
The company announced this week that it is bringing Patrick Retzer on board as vice president of sales with Color Merchants/Brevani.
He will handle key accounts, manage the sales force and identify new opportunities for expansion for Brevani.
Prior to joining the company, Retzer was the vice president of sales for the fashion division of Jayden Star LLC and, before that, was national sales manager/trade show manager for C.G. Creations.
He’s also worked as an assistant store manager for Fred Meyer Jewelers and in sales for Sterling Jewelers.
“The Color Merchants family is excited to bring Patrick on to drive sales and help guide the growing brand in the right direction,” Color Merchants CEO Keven Peck said.
Color Merchants, which has been in the jewelry manufacturing business for 30 years, launched Brevani last year with the goal of giving the company a brand with a trendy, more upscale vibe.
The brother-sister team of Jordan and Allison Peck head Brevani. Jordan Peck told National Jeweler at the time of the launch that their goal is to develop the brand to the point that consumers come in asking for it by name.
In other industry news, Pure Grown Diamonds, the man-made diamond brand formerly known as Gemesis, just announced that it has added two industry veterans to its management team.
Kelly Good is the company’s new director of marketing while Debbie Hiss is the director of training.
Most recently, Good was the director of brand management at Frederick Goldman-owned Scott Kay, where she drove a relaunch of the brand and implemented a marketing strategy that included a new advertising campaign (print, digital and social), new point-of-sale materials, public relations, events, training programs and promotions. Prior to Scott Kay, Good was the global brand manager at high-end eyewear company Safilo USA and, before that, was vice president of marketing at Movado.
Hiss has more than 35 years of experience in jewelry industry training. She just finished a run as a business consultant to a number of companies and organizations, including the American Gem Society and colored gemstone mining company Gemfields. Prior to that, she held top training positions
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















