CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
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
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
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
