CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
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
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
