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.
Gemesis, FIT team on diamond design competition
Lab-grown diamond jewelry company Gemesis is sponsoring a jewelry design competition open to students at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and potentially will produce and sell the winning design.
New York--Lab-grown diamond jewelry company Gemesis is sponsoring a jewelry design competition open to students at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and potentially will produce and sell the winning design.
Students enrolled in FIT’s jewelry design program are eligible to enter the contest and are asked to create a “stylishly sustainable” engagement ring featuring a Gemesis lab-grown diamond.
In March, the final designs will be presented to a panel of industry judges who will choose a first- and second-place winner by evaluating the pieces based on originality, effectiveness of design and interpretation of the stylishly sustainable theme.
Gemesis also will ask consumers to weigh in on the designs on its Facebook page, and the concept with the most votes will be deemed the “fan favorite.”
All of the winners will be announced in March.
The first-place winner will receive $2,000 from Gemesis and their piece will be featured on the company’s website and, possibly, produced and sold by Gemesis. The designer who places second will win $1,500 and the fan favorite will receive $1,000.
“FIT strives to provide opportunities that afford its students hands-on, real-world experience, and we believe this competition does that. As a college whose mission states a commitment to sustainability, we are also pleased to have the opportunity for students to work with lab-grown diamonds,” said Michael Coan, FIT jewelry design program chair.
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.

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.

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

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.

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.






















