CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceCollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace
The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
The story behind this week’s Piece of the Week begins on the day that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, had a terrible premonition.
According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite had warned her lover Adonis to not go hunting, but he ignored her and was fatally wounded by an enraged boar.
As Aphrodite held his body, her tears fell, mixing with his blood and causing red anemones to appear. Aphrodite pleaded with Zeus to let Adonis live, which he answered by allowing Adonis to spend half of each year with her and half in the underworld.
In the end, the myth represents the spirit of vegetation, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, as nature decays every winter and comes back to life in the spring.
The “Tears of Aphrodite” necklace by Hernsdorf looks to this myth, immortalizing the moment when Aphrodite’s tears mixed with Adonis’ blood through 175.74 carats of Burmese spinel drops.
The one-of-a-kind necklace, and third variation of this theme, features the spinel drops alongside 22-karat yellow gold tubular beads and a barrel pendant with 2.21 carats of brilliant-cut, flush-set diamonds.
“My work almost always begins with a choice of the gemstone or gemstones involved in the design. From there it evolves, and once I see the ultimate finished piece in my mind’s eye, various connections to any number of inspirations become clear,” said Dale Hernsdorf, founder of her namesake brand who crafts every piece in her downtown Los Angeles studio.
“When creating the ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ [necklace], I began with a group of spinel drops the color of pigeon blood rubies. As I worked with the spinels, I started to think of them as being shaped like teardrops, which brought to mind the myth of Aphrodite and Adonis. Hence, the necklace aptly became named as the ‘Tears of Aphrodite.’”
Related stories will be right here …
According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite had warned her lover Adonis to not go hunting, but he ignored her and was fatally wounded by an enraged boar.
As Aphrodite held his body, her tears fell, mixing with his blood and causing red anemones to appear. Aphrodite pleaded with Zeus to let Adonis live, which he answered by allowing Adonis to spend half of each year with her and half in the underworld.
In the end, the myth represents the spirit of vegetation, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, as nature decays every winter and comes back to life in the spring.
The “Tears of Aphrodite” necklace by Hernsdorf looks to this myth, immortalizing the moment when Aphrodite’s tears mixed with Adonis’ blood through 175.74 carats of Burmese spinel drops.
The one-of-a-kind necklace, and third variation of this theme, features the spinel drops alongside 22-karat yellow gold tubular beads and a barrel pendant with 2.21 carats of brilliant-cut, flush-set diamonds.
“My work almost always begins with a choice of the gemstone or gemstones involved in the design. From there it evolves, and once I see the ultimate finished piece in my mind’s eye, various connections to any number of inspirations become clear,” said Dale Hernsdorf, founder of her namesake brand who crafts every piece in her downtown Los Angeles studio.
“When creating the ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ [necklace], I began with a group of spinel drops the color of pigeon blood rubies. As I worked with the spinels, I started to think of them as being shaped like teardrops, which brought to mind the myth of Aphrodite and Adonis. Hence, the necklace aptly became named as the ‘Tears of Aphrodite.’”
Hernsdorf began looking to Greek mythology when naming her pieces after working with ancient coins in pieces that were later named after various gods and goddesses.
“I often wondered what these objects would say if they could talk. How much history, how many hands, has a 2,000-year-old coin touched?” said Hernsdorf.
The Tears of Aphrodite necklace is price upon request.
It is available on the Hernsdorf website, along with the second variation on this theme which uses Russian emerald drops.
More on Collections
The Latest
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 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.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
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.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
