WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
MajorsSep 17, 2019
Zales’ New Collection Is a Tribute to Marilyn Monroe
Channeling the iconic actress’ independent spirit, the collection became available online this week and will hit stores in October.
Diamond and 14-karat gold styles from Zales’ new Marilyn Monroe collection
New York—Zales’ newest fine jewelry collection encourages consumers to “be their own muse,” enlisting one icon as the ultimate example.
The Marilyn Monroe collection comprises 65 pieces of sterling silver, 10-karat and 14-karat gold jewelry with diamonds, in motifs channeling the actress’ career, from lips to the white dress Monroe wore—and famously lost control of—in 1955’s “The Seven Year Itch.”
A bezel-set diamond stands in for Monroe’s signature beauty mark and tributes are paid to other motifs synonymous with the star—lipstick, high heels, stars and even the dog Frank Sinatra gave her, named “Maf,” short for “Mafia.”
In a less literal tribute to Monroe, styles like chandelier earrings with baguette-cut diamonds and graduated diamond-drop pendants and earrings reference the classic styles of the 1950s, the actress’ most prominent creative era.
While the references might be decades old, Zales is spinning the story with a modern twist, courtesy of the collection’s accompanying digital campaign that reads, “I am my own muse. I am a diamond,” which, alongside imagery of the jewelry and Monroe, shows a contemporary woman.
In a manifesto accompanying the campaign imagery, Zales explains that it represents a woman who is unique, unmistakable and strong, forging her own path.
The collection also encompasses intricate bridal styles, inspired by Monroe’s famous quote to “love bravely.”
The assortment hit Zales.com on Sept. 15 and will be available in its stores on Oct. 7.
A sterling silver and diamond pendant depicting Monroe’s dress sells for $100 while a 1.5-carat pear-shaped diamond engagement ring in 14-karat white gold sells for $5,800.
While the references might be decades old, Zales is spinning the story with a modern twist, courtesy of the collection’s accompanying digital campaign that reads, “I am my own muse. I am a diamond,” which, alongside imagery of the jewelry and Monroe, shows a contemporary woman.
In a manifesto accompanying the campaign imagery, Zales explains that it represents a woman who is unique, unmistakable and strong, forging her own path.
The collection also encompasses intricate bridal styles, inspired by Monroe’s famous quote to “love bravely.”
The assortment hit Zales.com on Sept. 15 and will be available in its stores on Oct. 7.
A sterling silver and diamond pendant depicting Monroe’s dress sells for $100 while a 1.5-carat pear-shaped diamond engagement ring in 14-karat white gold sells for $5,800.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Medal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
