CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
EditorsDec 23, 2014
My favorite gemstone pieces of 2014
At first, I thought this blog would be easy as pie. Pick my favorite gemstone jewels that I saw this year? You got it.
But the more I started looking through old photos, stories and events, the harder I realized it was. How was I ever going to narrow it down?
It was such a great year for designing in gemstones, with many colored stones coming to the attention of both celebrities and consumers. Not to mention, I was getting myself acquainted with many stones that were new to me.
Since 2014 was also my first full year as a member of the fine jewelry industry, I found that my tastes were evolving dramatically over time. As soon as I learned what Paraiba tourmaline was, I immediately became obsessed with almost any piece that included it (welcome to the club, right?).
The more I saw, the more I began to appreciate the intricacies of jewelry as well as both edgy, trendy pieces and classic, feminine pieces, quickly culling a wish list with every press preview, trade show or event.
Nevertheless, as 2014 draws to a close, I give you a (non-exhaustive) list of my favorite pieces of the past year.
Lisa Kim’s “Shield” ring, made with a rose-cut moonstone, oxidized sterling silver and 18-karat yellow gold, seen when Kim paid an office visit to National Jeweler
Anthony Lent’s 18-karat yellow gold “Muse” ring, inspired by the Three Graces of classical mythology, features a trillion-cut spessartite garnet (also called a mandarin garnet) at the center with platinum and diamonds at the necks of the graces, seen at the Couture Press Preview.
Michael John Jewelry’s asymmetrical earrings with diamonds, sapphires and Australian opals, as seen at the Jewelers of America Fine Jewelry Preview
Also seen at the fine jewelry preview was this “floating ring” by Estenza, boasting rutilated quartz and diamonds in 14-karat yellow gold
Seen at the Couture show in Las Vegas was this 18-karat yellow gold and carved sapphire ring accented with diamonds by Katy Briscoe
These drop earrings by Erica Courtney featuring jade, opal, demantoid garnet, lavender spinel, diamonds and gray sapphire in 18-karat gold were seen at the 2014 AGTA GemFair in Tucson.
Also seen at GemFair was Babette Shennan’s “Gingko” 18-karat gold ring with an antique finish featuring rubellite and pink diamonds
Omi’s double halo ring featuring a center ruby accented with a halo of rubies and an outer halo of diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold, seen at the JCK Las Vegas show
From Wendy Brandes’
“Maneater” collection comes this Pink Elephant and Tipsy Writer ring, covered in pink sapphires. It won honorable mention in the 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards, and we got to see it displayed at the AGTA press event in New York City.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
