SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
TrendsAug 15, 2016
Alex Woo wants to help the honey bees too
The designer has partnered with the Platinum Guild International to launch her first platinum design, a limited edition beehive and honey bee pendant that will help support the “Häagen-Dazs Loves Honey Bees” program.
New York--As colony collapse continues to cause serious issues for honey bees across the world, designer Alex Woo is the latest in the fine jewelry industry to try to help save the bees.
Woo collaborated with Platinum Guild International and Emmy Award-winning costume designer Lyn Paolo, who currently works on ABC’s Scandal and the Showtime series Shameless and is a PGI platinum ambassador, to design the piece.
The limited edition pendant marks the designer’s first venture into platinum. It features a honey bee and beehive made in the metal as well as fancy vivid yellow diamond accents. It is priced at $1,898 and is being sold on Woo’s website.
It is the latest addition to Woo’s Little Activist collection, created to allow consumers a new way to express who they are and what they believe in.
Proceeds from the sale of the pendant will support the “Häagen-Dazs Loves Honey Bees” program, which provides funds for honey bee research at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility at the University of California, Davis, and to help maintain the Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven, a bee-friendly demonstration garden on the UC Davis campus.
RELATED CONTENT: The baubles and the bees
“All my designs are symbolic so it was such a pleasant surprise that Lyn and I both shared the same interest in helping save the honey bees,” Woo said. “This became our inspiration for our Little Activist Beehive. My fine jewelry collection is classic, personal, and wearable every day, so it was exciting to be creating this new pendant in platinum, as it still captures the essence of all my trademark Little Icons, but in a luxurious new way.”
RELATED CONTENT: Bee-ing helpful
Woo joins companies like Gumuchian and Maison Birks in creating fine jewelry lines to support research on the plight of the honey bee--how colonies are collapsing, hives are failing and bees are dying --and what can be done about the threat to this all-important insect.
Woo collaborated with Platinum Guild International and Emmy Award-winning costume designer Lyn Paolo, who currently works on ABC’s Scandal and the Showtime series Shameless and is a PGI platinum ambassador, to design the piece.
Alex Woo’s limited edition platinum and yellow diamond pendant, priced at $1,898 and selling on the designer’s website, will support the “Häagen-Dazs Loves Honey Bees” program.
The limited edition pendant marks the designer’s first venture into platinum. It features a honey bee and beehive made in the metal as well as fancy vivid yellow diamond accents. It is priced at $1,898 and is being sold on Woo’s website.
It is the latest addition to Woo’s Little Activist collection, created to allow consumers a new way to express who they are and what they believe in.
Proceeds from the sale of the pendant will support the “Häagen-Dazs Loves Honey Bees” program, which provides funds for honey bee research at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility at the University of California, Davis, and to help maintain the Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven, a bee-friendly demonstration garden on the UC Davis campus.
RELATED CONTENT: The baubles and the bees
“All my designs are symbolic so it was such a pleasant surprise that Lyn and I both shared the same interest in helping save the honey bees,” Woo said. “This became our inspiration for our Little Activist Beehive. My fine jewelry collection is classic, personal, and wearable every day, so it was exciting to be creating this new pendant in platinum, as it still captures the essence of all my trademark Little Icons, but in a luxurious new way.”
RELATED CONTENT: Bee-ing helpful
Woo joins companies like Gumuchian and Maison Birks in creating fine jewelry lines to support research on the plight of the honey bee--how colonies are collapsing, hives are failing and bees are dying --and what can be done about the threat to this all-important insect.
More on Trends
The Latest
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
