SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
Events & AwardsJan 31, 2017
Dana Bronfman Wins FGI Rising Star Award
The jewelry designer, who is exhibiting at JCK Tucson, was honored last week at the Fashion Group International’s annual awards luncheon.
Here is one of Dana Bronfman’s bracelets, featuring her signature cut-out motif.
New York--Last Thursday, Fashion Group International honored its 2017 class of “Rising Stars” at its annual awards luncheon in New York.
The organization recognizes emerging designers at this event every year, in categories spanning fashion and accessories.
This year, Brooklyn-based designer Dana Bronfman received the Rising Star Award in Fine Jewelry.
“Winning the award was such an honor and a thrill,” Bronfman told National Jeweler. “It was the most exciting moment of my career to date. To be recognized by the very competitive fashion and jewelry industry is such a huge deal.”
Not long ago, the San Francisco native was pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector, though she felt a creative draw toward jewelry-making.
“I make an effort to keep philanthropy as a big part of my life and business, but creating jewelry is my passion and an amazing means to be able to give back,” Bronfman explained.
Her passion took her to the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, where she studied her craft from the ground up. Her time at Revere led to stints working with other designers in her home town and in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
In 2014, Bronfman came to New York to take some jewelry classes, and the trip proved serendipitous.
“I became so inspired,” said Bronfman. “I felt that it was the time to start my own line.”
Bronfman’s “Holy” pendant
Three years later, retailers such as Roseark, ZFolio, Regina Jewelry and Treasures, Memo Online and Sucre NYC carry her line, and she’s exhibited at JCK Tucson and Metal + Smith.
Bronfman describes her aesthetic as “quietly bold.” She works mainly in 18-karat gold and diamonds, infusing wearable pieces with uniqueness via her signature cut-outs.
“My collections have used gold and diamonds in a way inspired by industrial architecture as well as my experience as a bench jeweler; the balance between structure and movement has categorized my line,” she said.
This year, Bronfman is venturing into color with “non-traditional colored diamonds and gemstones,” which will be on display at JCK Tucson from Feb. 1 to 4.
The designer hopes that recognition from the FGI will help set her apart from the many young fine jewelry brands who approach retailers.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“I feel industry awards like this do help independent designers by helping them to receive exposure and publicity and, ultimately, credibility,” she said. “I feel encouraged to know that the industry knows I am here to stay, and that the future holds lots of excitement.”
Bronfman’s line retails between $295 and $15,000.
Her designs will be on display in the Design Center at booth DC19 at JCK Tucson.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
