MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2016
Retrouvai Wins ‘The Next Now’ Competition
The inaugural emerging jewelry designer competition from Ylang23 and TrendSeeder was held last week in New York.
Retrouvaí, the winner of the inaugural The Next Now design competition, aims for a modern heirloom feel. Pictured here is the Magna ring in 14-karat yellow gold with white diamonds ($2,645).
New York--A group of retailers and tastemakers have crowned the winner of the first The Next Now design competition.
Held last week in New York, the competition narrowed down a pool of more than 100 applicants to a group of 70 to present their lines in person to a panel of judges in a round-table setting.
The panel consisted of Joanne Teichman, founder and managing director of Dallas jeweler Ylang23; Alvani Patel, founder and CEO of fashion incubator TrendSeeder; Steven Alan, designer and CEO; Melissa Joy Manning, fine jewelry designer; Burak Cakmak, dean of the Parson’s School of Fashion; and Will Kahn, the fashion market and accessories director at Town & Country.
The panel chose Los Angeles-based fine jewelry label Retrouvaí from designer Kirsty Stone.
Formerly called Supply + Demand Jewelry, the line was renamed this year. Retrouvaí is a take on the French word “retrouvailles,” which means “the joy in reconnecting with someone from your past,” Stone explained.
The name is appropriate for Stone’s classic design aesthetic. Entirely made in L.A., her pieces embody timeless style and possess an heirloom feel, but incorporate a touch of the unexpected. Her signet rings, for example, feature magical creatures like flying pigs and unicorns.
Mother-of-Pearl Globe necklace in 14-karat yellow gold with mother-of-pearl, white diamond and blue sapphire ($1,610)
Flying Pig signet ring in 14-karat yellow gold ($1,040)
South Sea Pearl Gypsy earrings in 14-karat yellow gold with South Sea pearls, diamonds, citrine and coral ($1,425)
Magna ring in 14-karat yellow gold with white diamonds ($2,645)
Mini Mother of Pearl Globe necklace in 14-karat yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and white diamond ($635)
“Retrouvaí is about reinterpreting very classic motifs that have been passed down through generations, and combining these with an attitude that embodies the modern woman,” said Stone. “It incorporates an element of nostalgia with a modern delivery; jewelry that women can wear with everything and have for decades.”
Stone previously worked for an architectural manufacturing firm. She shadowed a high-volume jeweler in the evenings and on weekends for nine months to learn the jewelry business, then launched her own line less than two years ago.
Stone currently works in 14-karat gold, often incorporating diamonds, South Sea pearls and mother- of-pearl in her designs. Her designs range from $600 to $5,000 retail, with the majority of her pieces retailing between $1,000 and $1,500.
Stone’s prize will include a purchase order from Ylang23 and promotion on the store’s e-commerce site, 20 hours of mentorship from Teichman and Manning, a one-year membership to TrendSeeder and a presentation to the Steven Alan buying team.
"The applicant pool was amazing,” said Teichman in a release, “and in addition to the winner, we will be extending
a buy to a small, select group.”
“The Next Now was a whirlwind experience,” Stone commented. “I think programs like this are invaluable to emerging talent because feedback and market validation are so critical early on. In a segment that is so saturated, it’s important for us to have a unique voice, and be able to differentiate ourselves very quickly (say five minutes in a boardroom with industry veterans).”
Ylang23 said they expected to hold another edition of The Next Now in 2017.
“The Next Now was a whirlwind experience,” Stone commented. “I think programs like this are invaluable to emerging talent because feedback and market validation are so critical early on. In a segment that is so saturated, it’s important for us to have a unique voice, and be able to differentiate ourselves very quickly (say five minutes in a boardroom with industry veterans).”
Ylang23 said they expected to hold another edition of The Next Now in 2017.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
