MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
EditorsMar 03, 2009
Penny Proddow's Death
A very bad day yesterday, when I learned that Penny Proddow, jewelry editor for InStyle, lost her battle with ovarian cancer. I'm looking at two small sketches that rest on the base of my computer monitor. Three saguaro cactuses tower...
A very bad day yesterday, when I learned that Penny Proddow, jewelry editor for InStyle, lost her battle with ovarian cancer.
I'm looking at two small sketches that rest on the base of my computer monitor. Three saguaro cactuses tower in the foreground of one, placed in context by a violet mountain and cerulean sky. In the second, a long, deep purple ridgeline looms over a solitary mesquite dignifying the scrublands.Penny gave these to me when I ran across her at breakfast during the Tucson gem shows last year. At her table in the hotel buffet, she was doing two of the things she loved best, drawing and planning the day with her inseparable friend and colleague, Marion Fasel, who together with Penny constitutes the respected jewelry editorial staff at Instyle.
Penny loved the fine arts in a unpretentious way that I've seldom experienced in my life. She loved art for art's sake, whether teaching at the Met, which she did for years, or putting life's daily occurrences into context with a quote from classical literature or ballet. Because of who she was, it never seemed affected. Instead, it always raised the wonderful, incredible possibility that some people do care about the more important things in life.
I had met Penny many times through our work in jewelry. But I got to know her best a bit over a year ago when we traveled in a group to South Africa and Botswana with De Beers. I quickly got to enjoying teasing her about things like being the only person able to look perfectly assembled in the middle of a Land Rover safari trek. Penny had a great sense of humor to go with her modesty and fashion sense.
The next time I saw her after our trip, a number of us got together for lunch to reminisce. Penny arrived wearing a necklace of interconnected wire "elephants" that she had fashioned based on sketches she had drawn in Africa. I loved them, so of course she immediately unlinked four of them to give to each member of my family. We still have them hanging from the chandelier in the breakfast room. My sons love them.
What a very sad thing to lose such a great person. I've been watching Lance Armstrong's return to professional cycling, which he started by racing first a month ago in Australia then a week ago in the Tour of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
California. Before his retirement three years ago, Armstrong set a record for winning the world's greatest bike race that will never be surpassed, having won the Tour de France seven consecutive times. But his return, he says, is mostly about expanding the reach of his Livestrong efforts to fight cancer and spread awareness and support.
Work like his and, in our business, that being done by groups like the Jewelers for Children, make so much more sense to me as I experience terrible things like the loss of Penny Proddow.
Most of all, right now, we'll miss Penny. I hope she's in a place as beautiful as her sketches.
Work like his and, in our business, that being done by groups like the Jewelers for Children, make so much more sense to me as I experience terrible things like the loss of Penny Proddow.
Most of all, right now, we'll miss Penny. I hope she's in a place as beautiful as her sketches.
More on Editors
The Latest
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
