CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
EditorsOct 17, 2007
Girl for pearls
When it comes to jewelry designs that draw my eye—and my checkbook—I tend to have a penchant for bold '20s designs that evoke the Art Deco era. My prized possession is a Florida flea market find: a gold open-link double-chain...
When it comes to jewelry designs that draw my eye—and my checkbook—I tend to have a penchant for bold '20s designs that evoke the Art Deco era. My prized possession is a Florida flea market find: a gold open-link double-chain necklace that ends in a metal tassel—a piece I wear at least twice a week and that has followed me through days at the office and nights out dancing. (So enamored am I of this bauble that I recently added a silver version to my jewelry box, a fortuitous find at an upstate antique store.)
When it comes to the rest of the items in my jewelry box, however, I find that it's brimming with pearls, and strange as it may sound, I'm constantly surprised by that. What catches me off-guard is that the pearls are all gifts from family and friends, nothing I've ever bought myself: studs aplenty, a three-strand seed pearl bracelet, a delicate pair of chandeliers, single-strand baroque pearl necklaces, a requisite perfectly round one.
In the October issue of National Jeweler, we highlighted a whole spectrum of pearl designs, ranging from classic strands to fashion-forward rings and necklaces mixing the organic gems with heavy chains and colored stones. While manufacturers enthused about the youth-enticing designs, what surprised me was our monthly Regional Report feature, where retailers overwhelmingly stated that pearl sales were slow.
So are pearls actually passé? I can't speak for the retail side, but as a fashion-obsessed mid 20s-something, I certainly do wear them. And I know I'm not the only one. Check out this recent runway shot from Unrath & Strano's Paris fashion show. The silk and lace evening gown is covered in hundreds of freshwater cultured pearls, all from Schoeffel. While I can't say I or anyone I know will be wearing this confection anytime soon, such creations keep the gems in fashion's eye. A good friend, who, at 22, makes the fashion blogs a religious part of her daily routine, recently returned to the city after a trip to her hometown of Virginia Beach. She had raided her mother's jewelry box (with permission, of course) and raved about the pearl items more so than any of her other semi-new baubles.
So while pearls aren't the jewelry items I crave, they're a constant standby, a versatile part of my wardrobe and the pieces I know I'll be passing
on one day. That counts for something, right? And all of those pearls means someone was doing the charging at the counter.
More on Editors
The Latest
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
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.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
