MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsSep 13, 2018
Yael Sonia Collaborates with Amazonian Artisans
The Brazilian designer created a capsule collection to benefit Casa do Rio Tupana, an organization that empowers women by teaching traditional skills.
This collar, designed by Yael Sonia and featuring weaving from Amazonian artisans, will be auctioned off Thursday to benefit Casa do Rio Tupana, an organization that empowers women by teaching traditional skills.
New York—Fine jewelry designers often get experimental when it comes to their materials, utilizing elements like wood, marble or even fossils, but Yael Sonia has thrown down the creative gauntlet with her latest project.
The Teçume collection mixes 18-karat gold, diamonds and gemstones with straw, weaved by female Amazonian artisans.
Sustainably harvested from ambé vines, the weavers were able to craft elements small enough to be incorporated into Sonia’s jewelry.
The designer explained: “I had researched a little bit about the different weaving techniques that these women work with (prior to meeting them). It was really great to work with them in person the first time, trying to recreate the different weaves in a much smaller scale to fit fine jewelry. They’re used to doing baskets and handbags, and it takes a very different skill to make these pieces small and delicate.”
The limited-edition six-piece collection will benefit the weavers with whom Sonia collaborated.
“We’re both working in traditions that are thousands of years old: weaving and jewelry.” – Yael SoniaProceeds go to Casa do Rio Tupana, the organization that trained the Amazonian artisans. Its mission is to empower women in the area, teaching them skills to make a living.
For sale now at Sonia’s New York showroom, a few pieces of the collection have already been snapped up by enthusiastic buyers.
Next month, what’s left of the collaboration will travel to Sonia’s São Paulo showroom, but not before the hero piece—an elaborate collar in 18-karat gold with amazonite, aquamarine, diamonds and ambé vine straw—is auctioned off at the Brazil Foundation gala, scheduled to take place Thursday in New York City.
The other pieces, which, in addition to amazonite, aquamarine and diamonds feature guava quartz and malachite, retail between $2,700 and $12,000.
“It was a wonderful dialogue,” Sonia remarked of working with her fellow craftspeople. “We’re both working in traditions that are thousands of years old: weaving and jewelry. The making of jewelry and artifacts goes back thousands of years. They’re both manual, as our fine jewelry is made by hand, so it was nice to see how those (elements) work together.”
Yael Sonia for Casa do Rio Tupana ring in 18-karat rose gold with guava quartz, diamonds and ambé vine straw.
Earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with malachite, diamonds and ambé vine straw
Yael Sonia created these earrings for Casa do Rio Tupana
Earrings in 18-karat rose gold with guava quartz, rose quartz, diamonds and ambé vine straw
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Trends
The Latest
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
