Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
Christie’s, Vogue Italia Promote Sustainable Jewelry Design
At this year’s renamed “The Protagonist” event, more than a dozen contemporary designers sold jewels made with responsibly sourced materials.

New York—Originally founded by now-defunct magazine Vogue Gioiello as a platform to promote the height of contemporary American jewelry design, “The Protagonist” has found new life as an international showcase for sustainability.
This year, Christie’s New York and Vogue Italia partnered on the project, which used to be called “US Protagonists.” The two hosted a four-day sale and exhibition last week of designs from 14 contemporary jewelers from around the globe, all using responsibly sourced materials.
Designer Alexandra Mor, who spearheaded the event as creative director, said consumers are looking for alternatives to many traditional jewelry materials that don’t sacrifice on design.
Last year, she spearheaded the use of the tagua seed in the “US Protagonists” exhibition, inviting her fellow designer participants to work with the ivory alternative.
“Tagua seed grows wild in the Amazon forest,” Mor told Christie’s. “Its physical properties are comparable to elephant ivory. By introducing it as a fine jewelry material, we offer a real solution to the poaching of these magnificent creatures support the communities around the forest.”
Mor continues to work with the material, and so do some of her colleagues, like Moritz Glik.
“I’m definitely going to put it in my new collection because the sky’s the limit for it,” he enthused. “It’s a hard material, but at the same time it is soft to carve by hand. It’s also very porous, which means we can dye it many different colors.”
This year’s designer group wasn’t limited to the tagua nut, however. They were charged with utilizing all manner of responsibly sourced natural, or non-synthetic, materials, such as recycled wood, ethically mined gemstones and even leather alternatives.
All diamonds had to adhere to the Kimberley Process and all metals had to be from sustainable sources.
In addition to Mor and Glik, this year’s “The Protagonist” group was comprised of fine jewelry brands Yewn, Irthly, K. Brunini Jewels, John Hardy, Ana Katarina, Assael, Tamara Comolli, Sylva & Cie, Dana Bronfman, Alessio Boschi, Shamballa and Daria de Koning.
Vogue Italia’s Fashion Market Editor Francesca Ragazzi surmised, “The sustainable revolution is conquering the world, and our mission is to show the consumers how this shift can be absolutely glamorous and fashionable.”
Mor added, “I don’t consider sustainability to be a trend, I see it as a way of life, a way of being, and it is deeply crucial to the future of our planet. Designers are more than
Following the Christe’s event, “The Protagonist” collection is now available on FashionKind.com.
The Latest

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.


Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.