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.
Sotheby’s Taps Dior Exec to Lead Jewelry, Watches
Laurence Nicolas will join the auction house on Feb. 1 as vice president and global managing director of two of its fastest-growing categories.

New York--Sotheby’s has appointed Laurence Nicolas to the newly created role of executive vice president, global managing director, jewelry and watches.
She will join the company Feb. 1 and be based in New York. Nicolas will report to CEO Tad Smith.
In her role, Nicolas will lead Sotheby’s Jewelry and Watch businesses--which it said are two of its fastest-growing categories--including auction, private, e-commerce and retail sales, as well as its diamond venture, Sotheby’s Diamonds.
Nicolas joins Sotheby’s with more than 25 years of luxury experience and of managing leading international brands.
She recently served as CEO of Dior Timepieces & Fine Jewelry at Christian Dior Couture. She created the Fine Jewelry division there in 2001, followed by the Timepieces division in 2008.
She also held key positions at Cartier between 1990 and 2001, where she was involved in the international retail and marketing operations of the brand.
“Our jewelry and watch businesses operate in markets much larger than the art market and this newly created role has been designed to strengthen our cross-platform strategy and take advantage of the significant opportunity,” Smith said. “Laurence’s creativity, energy and experience will no doubt be inspirational for the talented teams she will lead, while also further enhancing our clients’ experience and fostering Sotheby’s growth in these two key areas.”
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

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.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

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.
























