MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
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’
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“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
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
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.
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.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
