From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Another chain taps into the LGBT wedding market
Rogers & Hollands has added bridal jewelry designed for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, community to the inventory of two Chicago-area stores.

Chicago--Rogers & Hollands has added bridal jewelry designed for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, community to the inventory of two Chicago-area stores.
The stores now are selling bridal pieces designed for same-sex couples by Rony Tennenbaum, a New York-based designer who has created jewelry that caters to LGBT couples without the use of “stereotypical rainbows and triangles,” said Rogers & Hollands.
The retailer said the advancements in marriage equality across the country have gotten the attention of companies who want in on the “burgeoning same-sex wedding industry.” With the introduction of Tennenbaum’s bands, the company hopes to reach the LGBT community.
Family-owned and operated since 1910, the jewelry chain operates Rogers & Hollands as well as Ashcroft & Oak stores in nine states, primarily in the Midwest.
In addition to offering jewelry, Tennenbaum also is promoting “The New Etiquettes of the Rainbow,” a guide that teaches both retailers and consumers about new options in wedding jewelry etiquette and gives advice to couples on making educated purchases. Member of the LGBT community wrote the guide and they aim to help retailers understand the community’s culture, tastes and needs.
Rogers & Hollands isn’t the only retailer tapping into the same-gender jewelry category as more states legalize gay marriage.
Jonathan Mervis, of Mervis Diamond Importers in Virginia, Washington and Maryland, said his family’s stores have long been hosting events catering to same-sex couples and even created a bridal line specifically for LBGT couples.
RELATED CONTENT: Mervis Diamond’s mission: Cater to all couples
Earlier this month, Mervis told National Jeweler that members of the gay community “just want normalcy” when it comes to shopping for wedding jewelry, though they’ve shown appreciation for the interest he shows in catering to same-sex couples.
RELATED CONTENT: Buffett’s Ben Bridge captures cultural shifts
In addition, Seattle-based Ben Bridge Jeweler, which is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, announced in July 2013 that it was adding Tennenbaum’s jewelry to the inventory of its Tacoma and Spokane, Wash. stores.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.


The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















