CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
TrendsJul 03, 2018
Ylang 23 Partners with Under-the-Radar Designer on a Capsule
The Texas jeweler collaborated with designer Kim Dunham on a series of signet rings.
Ylang 23’s new “7 Archetypes” ring collaboration with designer Kim Dunham embodies different female roles through classic symbols. Here, two of the archetypes, “The Mother” and “The Sage,” are shown. Each ring is double-sided with an engraved message on the back.
Dallas--Ylang 23 is putting its stamp, literally, on a series of signet rings.
The Texas fine jeweler has partnered with designer Kim Dunham on a capsule collection of seven rings, available exclusively at Ylang 23.
Dunham has worked in the jewelry industry for more than two decades in a multitude of roles, from bench jeweler and designer to positions in sales and production management.
Now she works as a private jeweler, primarily designing one-off pieces for her clientele.
Dunham’s specialty are signet rings hand-engraved with her own designs, inspired by her customers’ life stories.
The creation process includes lengthy conversations about a client’s personal life events, memories, fears, strengths and spirituality.
“We keep digging until we find the very deepest representation of themselves,” Dunham said.
On the inside of the rings she engraves mantras, dates and prayers, tailored to the wearer.
“I love the journey I get to take with my clients through the design process,” she said, “and I’m honored that they trust me with their individual stories.”
RELATED CONTENT: Ylang 23 is Opening a Second Store
Dunham’s rings have quietly garnered the attention of Goop—the “lifestyle brand” launched by actress Gwyneth Paltrow—jewelry editors and, now, Ylang 23.
“Our customers love wearable jewelry with meaning, beautifully designed pieces that fit seamlessly into their growing collection,” explained Ylang 23 Vice President of Business Development Alysa Teichman. “The moment I laid eyes on [Dunham’s] pieces, I knew that I wanted some exclusive pieces for Ylang 23.”
Teichman and Dunham connected via Instagram, then met in person at New York City’s Bowery Hotel to hash out the designs to fit Ylang 23’s clients.
Together, they decided to use classic heraldry imagery to embody seven female archetypes: The Warrior, The Queen, The Mother, The Maiden, The Sage, The Mystic and The Lover.
“Seven Archetypes is all about strong women,” said Teichman. “So many of our customers—both Ylang 23’s and Kim Dunham’s—are women who shop for themselves, which Kim and I both love.”
On the signet’s reverse, each ring carries a message engraved in French.
The rings in the “7 Archetypes” capsule collection are 14-karat yellow gold and retail for $3,300 to $3,850.
“We seldom see such deep, beautiful engraving, and we know that our clients will have an appreciation for the work and thought that goes into each Kim Dunham ring,” Teichman said.
Designer Kim Dunham chose symbols from classic heraldry imagery to represent each archetype that Teichman chose. This ring shows “The Warrior.”
An engraving of a mermaid represents “The Maiden.”
A crown is used for “The Queen” archetype.
More on Trends
The Latest
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
