From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
These Were the Year’s Best Jewelry Books
They covered the work of a designer, jewelry history and sustainability.

New York—What does one get the jewelry lover who has everything?
It’s a trick question. There are always more jewels to be had, but a much more wallet-friendly gifting option is a good jewelry book, and there were several standouts in 2019.
Here are four any jewelry aficionado would love to add to their library.
Diamond Jewelry: 700 Years of Glory and Glamour
by Diana Scarisbrick
From Thames & Hudson, “Diamond Jewelry” charts the evolution of styles featuring the gemstone from late Gothic naturalism and the Renaissance to the Baroque and Rococo periods to today.
Through paintings, photographs and text it also highlights some of history’s most significant events and personalities, with jewelry as a continuous symbol of political power and authority.
Bejeweled: The World of Ethical Jewelry
by Kyle Roderick
From Rizzoli, this highly anticipated coffee-table book highlights the designers who have dedicated themselves to ethical sourcing and responsible jewelry-making practices.
Featured are brands Coomi, Karma El Khalil and Sandy Leong, among several others, who are pushing the sustainability conversation forward.
“Bejeweled” shows just how relevant that conversation is.
Gold and Gems: The Jewels of Marie-Hélène de Taillac
by Marie-Hélène de Taillac, Eric Deroo, et al.
Those who have visited Marie- Hélène de Taillac’s New York City jewel box of a salon won’t be surprised to know that the first coffee-table book dedicated to the designer is just as sumptuous as her colorful namesake collection.
Ensconced in a case featuring a rainbow of jewels, the lapis lazuli-colored tome, published by Rizzoli, is largely a visual catalogue of the brand’s designs over the years, interspersed with essays from the likes of New York Times Chief Fashion Critic Vanessa Friedman and fashion journalist Hamish Bowles.
Brooches and Badges
by Rachel Church
Antique jewelry aficionados will be delighted with this informative new read from Thames & Hudson’s series dedicated to accessories.
Charting the brooch’s origin as a practical garment fastener, author Rachel Church chart its journey to adornment, from medieval Pilgrim badges to Renaissance hat decorations and 20th-century political pins.
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Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

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The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

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The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.























