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.
TrendsJun 27, 2016
Jennie Kwon Shows Her Softer Side
The jewelry designer discusses how she’s transitioned her aesthetic without losing the design signature that put her on the map.
Jewelry designer Jennie Kwon discusses how she’s transitioned her aesthetic without losing the design signature that put her on the map.
Los Angeles--Jennie Kwon is in the mood for pastels; specifically, Ceylon blue sapphires, morganite, opals and green sapphires, all light-hued stones that bring to mind the serenity of a Monet painting.
“This past season we were drawn toward watercolor, painterly tones in our stones and that’s really what inspired the design,” said Kwon.
With her latest collection, Kwon has transcended the conundrum designers face after solidly establishing themselves in the industry: how to evolve artistically without losing their hard-earned customer.
“I was kind of pigeonholed as being a more minimalistic jewelry designer with a slight edge, so most of my pieces were kind of streamlined and we used a lot of black and white stones--black diamonds, white diamonds, onyx--and that’s what we were known for,” explained Kwon, “but the jewelry is basically a reflection of each of the seasons of my life and I just found myself drawn to softer tones and a little bit more romantic lines and designs.”
Kwon seems to find success in everything she touches; the Californian was a violinist then corporate lawyer and turned to jewelry design after becoming a mother.
“I felt my sense of aesthetic softening a bit,” she said.
Kwon’s bridal collection, launched last year, was a precursor to her softer sensibility. The range features romantic rose-cut diamonds, straying from the starker colors Kwon used in previous main-line collections.
The latest sorbet-colored offerings manage to stay on-brand through Kwon’s signature delicate scale, which encourages customers to layer.
“I’m drawn toward color but on a more manageable, dainty scale so it’s not so in-your-face,” she said. “It’s not a statement cocktail ring.”
Kwon said the response to her new designs has been positive, perhaps denoting a customer base that is evolving with her.
Ultimately, the designer still wants to create the same type of fine jewelry for customers she started out designing, which she describes as, “something that makes [customers] feel unique when they wear it but on an everyday, wearable scale, so it’s precious and it’s meaningful without being untouchable.”
The spring summer collection retails from $295 to $2,266 and is available at select retailers and JennieKwonDesigns.com.
14-karat yellow gold ring with morganite, opals and white diamonds, $750
14-karat yellow gold ring with opals and white diamonds, $890
14-karat yellow gold earrings with opals and white diamonds, $385
14-karat yellow gold earrings with white diamonds and opals, $295
14-karat yellow gold necklace with white diamonds and opals, $530
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Trends
The Latest
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.
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.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
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.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
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.”
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
