AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
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
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
Weekly QuizNov 13, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
