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.
MajorsJul 12, 2018
Kendra Scott, Carolyn Rafaelian Made This Forbes List Again
It also includes Kylie Jenner, who’s on track to become the youngest-ever self-made billionaire.
Carolyn Rafaelian (left) and Kendra Scott made Forbes’ list of the richest self-made women in America, ranking at Nos. 21 and 40, respectively.
New York—Forbes, that frequent publisher of lists of people who’ve made a lot of money, just released its latest, the 2018 ranking of America’s Richest Self-Made Women.
Once again, the list includes two women well-known in the jewelry world: Carolyn Rafaelian, whose Alex and Ani bangle bracelets are carried by fine jewelers nationwide, and Kendra Scott, who started her eponymous costume jewelry company with $500 in her spare bedroom.
Rafaelian ranks No. 21 out of 60 with a net worth of $1 billion.
A Rhode Island native who is the daughter of Armenian immigrants, Rafaelian started bangle brand Alex and Ani in 2004. The company is named after her two daughters, and its bangles are made in the same factory where Rafaelian’s father manufactured American flag pins and costume jewelry.
She remains the company’s CEO and chief creative officer and holds a majority stake in Alex and Ani.
Scott, meanwhile, ranks No. 40 with an estimated net worth of $500 million. She has 79 of her own stores, and her jewelry is carried by department stores and other retailers nationwide.
Both women made the list last year as well.
Insta-Fortunes
If there was a lesson to be taken away from the 2018 list of the U.S.’s richest self-made women, it’s this: There is a lot of money to be made in cosmetics, and the best way to make it is to have a huge Instagram following and showcase the products there.
Kylie Jenner (No. 27) started her cosmetics business two years ago selling a $29 kit consisting of lipstick and a matching liner. She leveraged her 110 million Instagram followers to turn Kylie Cosmetics into an $800 million company, Forbes estimates, and personally is worth $900 million.
At only 20, she’s on track to become the youngest-ever self-made billionaire and is the youngest woman on the 2018 list (Taylor Swift is second at age 28.)
Joining her on the list are several other women who’ve made a fortune in cosmetics thanks in large part to the power of social media.
According to Forbes, Anastasia Soare’s (No. 21, $1 billion) Anastasia Beverly Hills brand took off after her daughter opened an Instagram account for the company that now has more than 17 million followers.
Huda Kattan (No. 37, $550 million) used her status as an Instagram influencer to help launch Huda Beauty after she couldn’t find any false eyelashes that she liked.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The company now has 26 million followers.
Also making the cosmetics/social media mogul cut is Jenner’s half-sister, Kim Kardashian West (No. 54), who can attribute some of her $350 million fortune to her contouring kit and perfume company, KKW Beauty.
Other women on the list include:
--Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, No. 6 ($3.1 billion);
--Clothing designer Vera Wang, whose brand is licensed by Zales, No. 34 ($630 million);
--Madonna, No. 36 ($590 million);
--Judy Sheindlin (aka Judge Judy), No. 48 ($400 million);
--Beyoncé Knowles, No. 53 ($355 million); and
--Taylor Swift, No. 60 ($320 million).
The entire list can be viewed on Forbes.com.
Also making the cosmetics/social media mogul cut is Jenner’s half-sister, Kim Kardashian West (No. 54), who can attribute some of her $350 million fortune to her contouring kit and perfume company, KKW Beauty.
Other women on the list include:
--Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, No. 6 ($3.1 billion);
--Clothing designer Vera Wang, whose brand is licensed by Zales, No. 34 ($630 million);
--Madonna, No. 36 ($590 million);
--Judy Sheindlin (aka Judge Judy), No. 48 ($400 million);
--Beyoncé Knowles, No. 53 ($355 million); and
--Taylor Swift, No. 60 ($320 million).
The entire list can be viewed on Forbes.com.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
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.
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 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
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.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
