AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59
The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry died July 8 at the age of 59. (Image courtesy of Gina Ferranti’s Facebook page)
New York—The jewelry industry is mourning designer Gina “GiGi” Ferranti, who passed away earlier this month.
Ferranti died on July 8 at the age of 59 due to ovarian cancer, according to information shared by family and friends.
The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer began her career in the fashion industry before completing her graduate gemologist degree and founding her fine jewelry brand in 2015, according to the GiGi Ferranti Jewelry website.
She channeled her Italian-American heritage, New York City background, an appreciation for architecture, and a love of family into her work.
Her first three jewelry collections were named after her nieces, Bianca, Gianna, and Sophia.
“As a designer, my inspiration is always through architecture and geometry and where they kind of blend,” she said in a previous interview with National Jeweler.
Her “Graffito” collection celebrated New York City’s graffiti murals and took inspiration from the historic frescoes in Pompeii.
The “Lucia” collection mirrored the stained-glass windows of storied Italian churches she saw in her travels through Positano, Capri, and along the Amalfi Coast.
The “Portofino” collection was inspired by the Italian Riviera, specifically the seaside town Portofino. It included her own take on the cornicello and penne pasta-inspired links.
Fellow jewelry designers, industry members, family, and friends took to social media to share their grief and memories.
Her niece, Gianna Sciortino Casillo, shared her memories of her aunt in a Facebook post, describing her as a second mother.
“Aunt Gina was one of the most incredible women I’ve ever known. She was pure light. The kind of person who made you feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. Aunt Gina was a true artist, and the heartbeat of every room she walked into,” she wrote.
“She made everything beautiful, from the jewelry she designed to the way she showed up for people. Always dancing, always laughing, always lifting others higher. Her love was big, bold, and unforgettable.”
In an Instagram post, Benjamin Guttery of Third Coast Gems wrote, “Her light was contagious, her words uplifting, and her smile unforgettable. I'll never forget you, my friend. Your art will live on and become heirlooms for future generations.”
“Gina was bright and strong and full of love. The jewelry that she delighted in designing for her brand felt so much like her personality: bold and colorful and welcoming and joyful,” wrote Becky Stone of Diamonds in the Library.
In a Facebook post, jewelry historian Beth Bernstein said, “Gina was a bright light and beautiful, both inside and out. She was a rare talent in the jewelry business and a rare friend. Genuine, understanding, giving, big-hearted, and always willing to help.”
Services were held at The Gardens of Boca Raton in Boca Raton, Florida, from July 14-15, with a funeral mass on July 15.
Ferranti died on July 8 at the age of 59 due to ovarian cancer, according to information shared by family and friends.
The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer began her career in the fashion industry before completing her graduate gemologist degree and founding her fine jewelry brand in 2015, according to the GiGi Ferranti Jewelry website.
She channeled her Italian-American heritage, New York City background, an appreciation for architecture, and a love of family into her work.
Her first three jewelry collections were named after her nieces, Bianca, Gianna, and Sophia.
“As a designer, my inspiration is always through architecture and geometry and where they kind of blend,” she said in a previous interview with National Jeweler.
Her “Graffito” collection celebrated New York City’s graffiti murals and took inspiration from the historic frescoes in Pompeii.
The “Lucia” collection mirrored the stained-glass windows of storied Italian churches she saw in her travels through Positano, Capri, and along the Amalfi Coast.
The “Portofino” collection was inspired by the Italian Riviera, specifically the seaside town Portofino. It included her own take on the cornicello and penne pasta-inspired links.
Fellow jewelry designers, industry members, family, and friends took to social media to share their grief and memories.
Her niece, Gianna Sciortino Casillo, shared her memories of her aunt in a Facebook post, describing her as a second mother.
“Aunt Gina was one of the most incredible women I’ve ever known. She was pure light. The kind of person who made you feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. Aunt Gina was a true artist, and the heartbeat of every room she walked into,” she wrote.
“She made everything beautiful, from the jewelry she designed to the way she showed up for people. Always dancing, always laughing, always lifting others higher. Her love was big, bold, and unforgettable.”
In an Instagram post, Benjamin Guttery of Third Coast Gems wrote, “Her light was contagious, her words uplifting, and her smile unforgettable. I'll never forget you, my friend. Your art will live on and become heirlooms for future generations.”
“Gina was bright and strong and full of love. The jewelry that she delighted in designing for her brand felt so much like her personality: bold and colorful and welcoming and joyful,” wrote Becky Stone of Diamonds in the Library.
In a Facebook post, jewelry historian Beth Bernstein said, “Gina was a bright light and beautiful, both inside and out. She was a rare talent in the jewelry business and a rare friend. Genuine, understanding, giving, big-hearted, and always willing to help.”
Services were held at The Gardens of Boca Raton in Boca Raton, Florida, from July 14-15, with a funeral mass on July 15.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’ The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.
Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in CarlsbadAt Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop ShootoutSix people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule CollectionThe jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation ProgramBen Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy AwardsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says DeloitteIt’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald AuctionIt included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, MontanaAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite EarringsFordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley AwardGilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-ShopLocated in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for ThatThe new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to AccountAs the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. HeadphonesJacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New YorkThe industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.
