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.
LinkedIn Names Moda Operandi to List of Top Startups
The luxury goods and jewelry e-tailer, which is “redefining what it means to be a luxury shopper in a digital age,” appears at No. 43.

The business networking website released its “Top Companies: Startups” list last week.
To be eligible for the list, companies must have been around for 10 years or less, have at least 100 employees, remain independent and privately held, and have at least one round of venture-backed funding.
LinkedIn then looked at the actions of its more than 500 million members to determine employee growth, job seeker interest via views and applications, member engagement with the company and its employees, and how well these startups poached talent from top companies.
It worked with CB Insights to look through a global list of nearly 25,000 eligible companies, and beating out many others was luxury goods and accessories site Moda Operandi, which was at No. 43 on the list of 50.
LinkedIn said the e-tailer is “redefining what it means to be a luxury shopper in a digital age,” with its model that allows consumers to shop clothing and accessories straight from the runway online.
This year, the company has inked deals with a few high jewelry houses to sell online.
Earlier this week, for example, it was announced that Reza would expand beyond its Paris atelier for the first time by selling on Moda Operandi.
And Martin Katz went digital for the first time this spring, also partnering with the e-tailer for the launch.
According to LinkedIn, Moda Operandi is valued at $330 million and has 200 employees globally.
Benefits and perks for employees, who have helped make the e-tailer of interest to job seekers, are: allowing dogs in the office at any time, weekly Friday happy hours, and bonus and equity at every level.
Other companies named to the list include some likely suspects, particularly at the top.
At No. 1 is Uber, followed by Airbnb at No. 2, WeWork at No. 3, Lyft at No. 4 and computer software company Slack at No. 5.
Others included are Shanghai-based NIO, which develops smart, electric and autonomous vehicles, Dropbox at No. 8, cosmetics company Glossier at No. 13, online styling service Stitch Fix at No. 32, and direct-to-consumer mattress maker Casper at No. 49, among many other internet and computer software companies, transportation and trucking startups, consumer goods companies and more.
For the full list of the top 50 startups in the U.S., visit LinkedIn.com.
The Latest

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

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

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

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


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.

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

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

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

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.





















