Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
Editor's Picks, Part 1
As the fashion editor of National Jeweler, I’m constantly exposed to new jewelry, whether I’m trying it on, exploring its texture or flipping through look books and images on my computer. While many of the designs I see are incredible,...
While many of the designs I see are incredible, I realistically can’t put every piece I drool over into my stories. Still, there’s jewelry I just can’t forget, and so here we are: the first in a series of blogs dedicated to some great jewels.
First up on my list is Donald Huber’s emerald Waterfall necklace (below), crafted of 1,200 carats of emeralds and 6.57 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold ($175,000). The necklace--which I had the unforgettable pleasure of trying on--sits broadly across the shoulders, the emerald strings sweeping down in various lengths. A true statement piece.
I’ve got a penchant for feminine, delicate jewelry, and these Arunashi Japanese flower motif earrings (below, $19,600) are right up my alley. Made in 18-karat blackened gold with 4.58 carats of diamonds, the detailed curves of these earrings give off the right amount of sexy.
I adore the way Irene Neuwirth uses color in her designs. Her gemstones are bright, offering a serious pop of color in hues that are easy on the eyes and reminiscent of summer. Her 18-karat rose gold bracelet set with pink opal (below, $13,080) offers the width of a large cuff with flexibility in the hinges. I’d make this an everyday staple.
Although this piece is made for men, any woman can rock this look. From K. Brunini Jewels, this 18-karat gold Antler ring (below, $3,100) has just the right amount of edge. I like to feel my jewelry when I wear it, and the contours and little points of this ring make me think I’d be running my thumb along it all day. I also like the simplicity of the design--no gemstones, no diamonds, just a great shape that speaks for itself.
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Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

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The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

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The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

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The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
























