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.
Lagos veterans begin again, in their own Realm
Ann King Lagos and Toni Renee Leslie have teamed up to create their own kingdom where the line between fine and fashion jewelry is blurred.
Ann King Lagos, who co-founded Lagos with her now ex-husband Steven, teamed up with Toni Renée Leslie, Lagos’s former creative director, to launch Realm in the spring of 2014.
The company just exhibited at its first JCK Las Vegas show.
Though it is silver and vermeil with cubic zirconia, Realm is made using fine jewelry-making methods. The cubic zirconia are, for example, full-cut and prong-set like precious gemstones and the jewelry is treated with a protective anti-tarnish layer. In addition, the plating is thick and Realm will re-plate pieces at a “reasonable cost.”
Lagos and Leslie came together to launch Realm at a time when both were looking to start over in their lives. Leslie, a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), began creating lists of words inspired by Lagos’s maiden name, King, and eventually they arrived at Realm.
The goal of Realm’s “fiercely female” team is to inspire and empower other women while at the same time building their brand and following by “Reigning Thoughtfully.”
Or, as they explain the brand’s mantra, “In the most simple of terms, it’s about being strong and kind in the same moment--acting on your dreams, achieving your goals and leaving an imprint of thoughtful acts along the path that leads you there.”
Price points in Realm range from $125 to $1,850 retail, with an average price point of $375.
Like Lagos, the brand is based in Philadelphia. It is sold online at ExploreRealm.com and is available for wholesale as well.
The Latest

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

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.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

“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.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















