TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
TrendsNov 02, 2020
Lose Yourself in Frédéric Zaavy’s Creations With This New Book
“Stardust: The Work and Life of Jeweler Extraordinaire Frédéric Zaavy” was started before the French jeweler’s death in 2011.
Frédéric Zaavy’s Nymphéa bracelet featuring fancy colored diamonds and numerous colored gemstones—5,000 stones total, in fact—was inspired by the works of Monet and is featured in a new book highlighting the French jeweler’s life and career.
New York—The first monograph dedicated to the late renowned Parisian jeweler Frédéric Zaavy will be released this fall.
“Stardust: The Work and Life of Jeweler Extraordinaire Frédéric Zaavy” dives into the creations of the man who tried to reflect the beauty of the universe through his work in precious stones.
It features photographs from John Bigelow Taylor and Dianne Dubler, whose works have been featured in the pages of more than 300 books, to create a visual narrative throughout, and text by acclaimed French writer Gilles Hertzog.
Zaavy was the third generation of a family of diamond merchants. He studied at several art schools, including École des Arts Appliqués and the École des Beaux Arts, before deciding not to go into the family business.
Then in 1994, Zaavy started creating one-of-a-kind jewels, working alongside partner Lisa Chen, with whom he founded the Daring Enterprise Co., and in 2000 set up his first atelier.
In the years following, he worked to set new standards of craftsmanship in jewelry making, using his eye and unique view to create intricate pieces with multitudes of tiny gems that would, without a doubt, come together like objects of art.
In 2007, Phillips de Pury & Company featured his work in an exhibition in Paris, and a year later he became the exclusive jeweler for Faberge, creating a collection to celebrate the house’s 21st century revival. The latter allowed him to open a larger atelier near Place Vendôme.
In 2010, when he found out he would die from cancer, the jeweler started working with the two photographers to create “Stardust.”
The book features not only images of his jewelry and jewelry making but also accounts of Zaavy from close friends and family, inside the industry and out, and looks at both the lows and the highs of his career.
Zaavy died in September 2011.
“’Stardust’ is the origin of all matter in the universe, including the diamonds Frédéric ‘painted’ with and loved so much. He was fascinated that, in addition to their beauty, diamonds resonated deep time,” Bigelow and Dubler said in the epilogue.
“However, he was undaunted by time and space, which he deemed to be inconsequential.
He thought of time in eons and knew his moment here would never be enough. Months before he died, he said to us, ‘I am already dead,’ but then carried on as if he would live forever! He often acknowledged that he had been here before and would someday return.”
The 240-page book, which is in English and Chinese, is published by Kubaba Books in the U.S. and Officina Libraria in Milan.
The book will be available this month through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all major bookstores, as well as some smaller retailers.
The 240-page book, which is in English and Chinese, is published by Kubaba Books in the U.S. and Officina Libraria in Milan.
The book will be available this month through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all major bookstores, as well as some smaller retailers.
More on Trends
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
