Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff is joined by three industry veterans to talk about the items they never leave behind and why.
A New Book Explores Animals Depicted in Jewelry
It previews a forthcoming jewelry exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History.

New York—A new book and jewelry exhibition explore animals as design elements in jewelry.
Out late last month from Rizzoli Electa, “Beautiful Creatures: Jewelry Inspired by the Animal Kingdom,” by veteran jewelry author and editor Marion Fasel, explores iconic bejeweled animal depictions from Bulgari’s snakes to Cartier’s panthers to JAR’s butterflies.
The tome accompanies an exhibition of the same name Fasel curated at the American Museum of Natural History, scheduled to open this fall upon the institution’s completion of the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
The renovated halls will feature a new gallery for special exhibitions, the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, starting with “Beautiful Creatures.”
The 120 jewels in the exhibition and book range from present-day creations to pieces dating back as far as the mid-1800s.
They’re grouped by their general environment; “Air” showcases various birds and insects, “Water” features fish, starfish and crocodiles among others, while “Land” depicts such mammals and reptiles as tigers, elephants, snakes, lizards and tortoises.
Fasel couples her curation of pieces with the stories behind the jewels, noting their symbolic associations. Specific jewelry anecdotes are also included alongside images of famous figures like Elizabeth Taylor wearing animal-inspired pieces.
Fasel is the founder of fine jewelry website The Adventurine. “Beautiful Creatures” is her ninth jewelry book.
The book is out now, while the museum exhibition dates are forthcoming.
The Latest

German jewelry artist Alexander Blank is the fourth designer to receive the honor.

The answer is “Hair,” and the necklace is from Chopard’s 2022 Red Carpet Collection, rolled out at the Cannes Film Festival.

Provide your customers with a seamless selling solution by partnering with Windsor Jewelers, Inc.

Sponsored by Italian Trade Agency


David Prager virtually sat down with Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff to answer questions about the rollout of Tracr at scale.

Jewelry and objects belonging to Bette Midler, heiress Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan, and Lady Sylvia Ashley were among the highlights.

When it comes to knowing the identity and quality of your pearls, count on GIA as your independent pearl experts.

The company opted not to raise its fiscal guidance, citing a slowdown in the U.S. market as a key reason.

From “old-school” eBay to new kid on the block 1stDibs, we asked jewelers about their experiences selling jewelry in non-traditional places.

She has nearly 30 years’ experience in the gem and jewelry industry and a background in nonprofit management.

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator chooses the pieces she’d most want to see in person.

The actress joins Zendaya and others in a new advertising campaign.

Owner Steve Delzio shares his thoughts on retirement after nearly five decades in the jewelry industry.

“I Fear for This Boy” takes readers through the ups and downs of his business and is available for pre-order now.

“Today’s Wedding Jewelry Consumer” shares data about engagement ring market size, lab-grown and natural diamonds, and more.

Columnist Lilian Raji wants to walk you through the customer journey. But first, she’d like you to answer a few questions.

Several Couture brands have partnered with Platinum Guild International ahead of the jewelry trade show.

The jewelry company is moving into bridal just a month after branching out into the watch world.

The 2008 economic crisis, COVID-19, and sanctions on Russian goods have set the stage for an interesting decade for natural diamond supply.
The Generating Community Impact fundraiser on June 11 will feature Karine Bah Tahé of Blue Level Training.

Kaiser, whose illustrious career spanned decades, died suddenly on Friday.

The family-owned jeweler is relocating its Braintree, Massachusetts, store to a new space.

He will step into the retailer’s newly created role of chief development officer.

GemIntro is meant to give a broad introduction to gems and gemology.

Three industry experts discuss “recycled” gold vs. mined, their challenges and benefits, and how jewelers can navigate the area.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati put on stellar performances.