Editors

Meet the New Couture Design Atelier Through Instagram

EditorsMay 25, 2017

Meet the New Couture Design Atelier Through Instagram

Fourteen budding brands are making their Couture debut this year.

20170525_DA.jpg
Marie Mas is a French fine jewelry brand with motion at the core of its design philosophy. Its “Swinging Stones” collection will be on view at Couture’s Design Atelier in booth DA 20.

Instagram is the platform du jour for discovering new jewelry design talent who are, in turn, equally passionate about spreading their creations through the image-centric app.

So what better way to meet the next set of design stars poised to grace the Design Atelier with their bejeweled presence than through their accounts on the social network?

Below are the 14 designers new to the DA this year (you heard right, there are a whopping 14 of them), as seen exactly how they want to be seen--through their curated Instagram images.

Lito
DA 14

#InfiniteLOVE for Fridays✨⯑⯑⯑⯑#tuEsPartout #litojewelry #LITO

A post shared by LITO JEWELRY (@litojewelry) on Mar 17, 2017 at 11:22am PDT


Lito Karakostanoglou’s namesake brand pays homage to the designer’s native Greece in inventive and unexpected ways.

Think a classic evil eye motif, but sourced from an artist who creates Russian orthodox iconography, or a collection inspired by the shapes of vintage watch faces, but also reflective of the special light that exists in Greece, which has inspired artists for centuries.

Every piece the cerebral designer creates is deeply conceptual yet utterly wearable and flattering on the body. She's shown at Couture previously as part of a showroom's booth but, this year, will make her mark on the Design Atelier. 


Nadine Ghosn
DA 22

⯑⯑⯑ #eyecandy #charms #jewelry #style #stacking #newcollection

A post shared by N∀pINƎ פHOSN (@nadineghosnjewelry) on Apr 28, 2017 at 12:42pm PDT


It’s often said that inspiration can be found anywhere one looks, and new designer Nadine Ghosn takes this adage to heart. An editor favorite, she garnered lots of attention for her hamburger ring.

Now, the cheeky designer has branched into new cuisine: sushi.

Instagram opportunities abound with this tongue-in-cheek line.


Elie Top
DA 16

⯑ Your Heart is full of Diamonds ⯑ #specialorder #newlife #oldcut #diamond #mecaniquescelestes #pastpresent

A post shared by Elie Top (@elietopofficial) on May 20, 2017 at 1:35am PDT


Two years ago, the jewelry designer for French fashion house Lanvin, Elie Top, launched his own fine jewelry collection, which is unlike anything else on the market.

Top’s signature so far has been his work’s kinetic capacities. Rings with several moving parts can be turned and twisted to reveal diamonds and gemstones.

At Couture, Top will introduce buyers to the next phase of his namesake line, which has a Middle Ages, Game of Thrones-esque feel.


Bhansali
DA 19

New Pear Shape 18Kt White Gold Studs in Emerald Green. #bhansalione #bhansalijewelry

A post shared by BHANSALI (@bhansaliofficial) on Apr 21, 2017 at 9:42am PDT


Bhansali is the Beverly Hills-based brand known for its colorful-yet-classic fine jewelry.

Established in recent years by brother and sister duo, Tej and Anar, who are the fourth generation of their family to work in the jewelry industry, today Anar is the sole designer behind the glamorous brand. 

Both GIA graduates, the Bhansalis are fond of setting diamonds into larger colored gemstones, giving the illusion of a metal-less design.


Foundrae
DA 17


Cartier cigar bands from the 1970s and Danish enamel
silverware from the 1950s are two of the referential starting points for Foundrae, the fine jewelry effort from former Rebecca Taylor CEO Beth Bugdaycay.

Foundrae is talismanic and full of symbols representing concepts like protection and karma. Much of the line can be customized with initials and words of the wearer’s choosing.


Yvonne Léon
DA 21

Mini escargot ⯑#available#netaporter#pearls#gold#diamonds#yvonneleon#paris#jewelry

A post shared by leonyvonne (@leonyvonne) on May 4, 2017 at 4:43am PDT


French designer Yvonne Léon’s namesake line is known for its enticing mix of trend and luxury.

An early adopter of innovative earring styles like jackets and climbers, Léon has been embraced by retailers ranging from Net-a-Porter online to Maxfield in Los Angeles.

She’s sure to catch many more retailers’ eyes at the show with her playful-yet-sophisticated jewelry.


Marie Mas
DA 20

#swingingstones #mariemas #hautejoaillerie #jewelrylover #jewelrygram #jewelry #jewellery

A post shared by MARIE_MAS_Jewelry (@marie_mas_jewelry) on Feb 19, 2017 at 12:27pm PST


Marie Mas is a new fine jewelry venture from a Dior alum.

The French brand employs pastel-colored gemstones like topaz and amethyst in its sweet “Swinging Stones” collection.

Gems swivel and move as in a Ferris wheel or a wave. Expect buzz around this brand, which only launched this year.


Imogen Belfield
DA 18

Sending this award winning beauty on its winding way to @harveynichols ⯑⯑⯑

A post shared by Imogen Belfield (@imogenbelfield) on Mar 10, 2017 at 4:49am PST


Imogen Belfield has graduated from Stephen Webster’s Rock Vault and entered the new class of the Design Atelier.

Her booth will be full of her bold, tactile designs that feel as if they were spewed from a volcano.

Primitive, earthy and utilizing a large amount of gold, exploring Belfield’s designs is like sifting through found treasure.


Jacqueline Cullen
DA 23


Fellow former Rock Vaulter and DA newcomer Jacqueline Cullen also is known for possessing a strong design signature.

For Cullen, that signature is geometric, architectural forms rendered in Whitby jet, accented with a touch of yellow gold and black diamonds for a subtle sparkle.

Luckily for Cullen, black never goes out of style.


Tura Sugden
DA 26


San Francisco-based Tura Sugden’s aesthetic feels very much like a product of her environment.

Her jewelry focuses on under-the-radar elements like ethically sourced champagne diamonds or diamond slices, all set in recycled metals. 

Sugden’s natural aesthetic is ideal for a modern, eco-conscious bride.


Taru Jewelry
DA 24


Sefik Kabas has a background ideal for jewelry-making.

Born into a jewelry design family in Istanbul, Kabas studied sculpture and glass-blowing in the United States and Europe. He went on to design furniture and interiors before launching Taru Jewelry.

Taru consists of depictions of animals readily aligned with symbols, such as a ram symbolizing strength or an owl signifying wisdom. The bold, medieval-feeling line would suit both men and women.


Doryn Wallach
DA 25

Two of my favorites! If you're going to do all this on your hand, I always say to keep it simple on the wrist.

A post shared by D O R Y N W A L L A C H (@dorynwallachjewelry) on May 15, 2017 at 6:32pm PDT


New York-based designer Doryn Wallach has a serious thing for Art Deco. Her work reflects the period with its strong, repeating shapes and glamorous feel.

Wallach’s Instagram reveals many of her Deco influences found around New York City.


Loren Nicole
DA 27

Get your summer hoops from us next week @by_couture #LorenNicoleFineJewelry #ModernArchaeology #SummerReady

A post shared by L O R E N N I C O L E (@loren.nicole.finejewelry) on May 28, 2017 at 6:55am PDT


Launched last year, Loren Nicole’s eponymous fine jewelry line is influenced by the designer’s background as a textile conservator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History in New York.

She went on to learn ancient goldsmithing techniques and now creates all of her jewelry by hand in her studio in Venice, California.

Look to Loren Nicole for meticulously executed filigree work that could have been found in one of the museums where the designer sought inspiration.


Marcia Budet
DA 28

Rosé the night away. #ElegantlyBold

A post shared by Marcia Budet | #ElegantlyBold® (@marciabudet) on May 9, 2017 at 7:30pm PDT


#ElegantlyBold is the hashtag Marcia Budet uses to brand her work on Instagram.

Budet is an architect turned jewelry designer. Her line is impactful and slightly off-kilter, with abstract shapes turned every which way.

Budet favors gemstones cut in an asymmetrical style, particularly super-saturated amethysts, lemon quartz and citrine.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Astrid & Miyu 2025 12-Day, 24-Day, Solid Gold Advent Calendars
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent Calendars

The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.

Front of Marla Aaron porcelain Nymphenburg Lock
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Alisa Bunger Frederick Goldman
MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of Sales

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Feriel Zerouki, De Beers Chief Trade and Industry Officer
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Fabergé Imperial Winter Egg
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

Kessler watch battery recycling program
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Katkim Men’s Collection Shadow Pendant Necklace and Anerise Signet Band
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s Collection

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

Gemfields Rough Rubies
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11M

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy