SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Trends
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
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.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
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.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
