MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
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
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
