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.
Israel names diamond co. as outstanding exporter
Andre Messika Diamonds was one of 10 companies to receive Israel’s “Outstanding Exporter” award at a ceremony held Feb. 4 at Israel President Shimon Peres’ residence.

Ramat Gan--Andre Messika Diamonds was one of 10 companies to receive Israel’s “Outstanding Exporter” award at a ceremony held Feb. 4 at Israel President Shimon Peres’ residence.
At the presentation, attended by Peres and Minister of Economy Naftali Bennett, as well as many leaders of the Israel Diamond Institute, Andre Messika was recognized for being a model for businessmen in Israel and abroad, notably donating to the community in the country and internationally as well as contributing to the opening of a diamond cutting and polishing school in Lesotho, a small kingdom in Africa.
“I don’t want to achieve for myself but to serve as a model for others,” Messika said. “I teach my children to follow the straight and narrow path, not to circumvent the queue. It’s possible to conduct yourself in truth and honesty and to be successful. It’s a fact. I’m here to prove it.”
Andre Messika Diamonds was one of the top 10 exporting companies in the country for 2012, during which time the company exported $100 million in polished diamonds.
From 2011 to 2013, Messika has exported $300 million worth of polished diamonds.
In 2013, the company ranked as the sixth largest exporter of polished diamonds in Israel, according to figures from the country’s Diamond Controller’s Office. It trailed No. 1 exporter Leo Schachter, MID House of Diamonds, A.A. Rachminov Diamonds, Niru Diamonds and Ofer Mizrahi Diamonds.
RELATED CONTENT: Leo Schachter remains Israel’s No. 1 diamond exporter
Andre Messika Diamonds, a manufacturer and distributor of polished and rough diamonds, also manufactures its own diamond jewelry line. It employs more than 100 people in Israel, France, Belgium and Hong Kong.
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.





















