AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2017
TheNextNow Crowns a New Winner
Emerging fine jewelry designer Eva Noga won the third edition of the competition that promotes new talent.
Pictured here are designs from Eva Noga, winner of the third edition of TheNextNow, on display at Brand Assembly in New York during the competition.
New York--Only a year after Dallas retailer Ylang 23 and fashion incubator TrendSeeder inaugurated TheNextNow, a design competition for emerging jewelry designers, they’ve selected the biannual event’s third winner.
Eva Noga clinched the top honors from a pool of 30 finalists selected to showcase their work to a group of judges in Manhattan last week.
The designer’s eponymous Queens, New York-based brand was only founded this year, with its first collection being finished a month ago.
“Eva had previously designed costume jewelry, so it’s especially impressive that her first fine collection is this beautiful, given how hard it is to transition from costume to fine,” said Ylang 23 Vice President, Business Development Alysa Teichman. “I’m excited that Ylang 23 will be the first retailer to launch the collection.”
Noga’s costume jewelry label, called Eva Hanusova, was sold in stores like Anthropologie and Free People. The designer’s new fine line is made in 14-karat gold and precious and semi-precious gemstones and is inspired by what she says is her greatest passion after jewelry--gardening.
“I really have a true passion for anything botanical, which has inspired my collection,” Noga explained. “(It’s) filled with diamond-accented beetles, spiders and otherworldly critters.”
Noga’s take on insects and flowers caught the attention of the judges who made up this edition’s panel. Joanne Teichman, founder of Ylang 23, and TrendSeeder’s Avani Patel were joined by Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buyer Kelly Doherty, Elle magazine Senior Accessories Editor Jennifer Gach, designers Sharon Khazzam and Wing Yau of Wwake and co-founder of fine jewelry sales and press agency For Future Reference, Meaghan Flynn Petropoulous.
“Eva Noga is a standout for both design and salability,” said Alysa Teichman, who organizes TheNextNow. “The bug series, which resonated most with the judges, is inspired by nature and features irregularly shaped stones in the juiciest, most vibrant colors.”
After judging the 30 finalists’ work and before announcing the winner of TheNextNow, Teichman moderated a panel with the competition judges, in which they discussed the challenges of the jewelry design market today and answered questions from the audience, which included designers who weren’t selected as finalists but wished to view the competition process.
Next Now Eva Noga, For Future Reference co-founder Meaghan Flynn Petropoulous, Bergdorf Goodman fine jewelry buyer Kelly Doherty, Ylang 23 founder Joanne Teichman and the company’s Vice President, Business Development, Alysa Teichman
Designers Khazzam and Yau then announced Noga as the winner. Her prize includes an online presentation, presence and promotion on Ylang 23’s website with possibility of a purchase order, a one-year mentorship with TrendSeeder, a presentation and meeting with the Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buying team, a showcase and presentation to retailers with For Future Reference at Paris Fashion Week and mentorship from some of the judges.
“It was such a treat for me to meet so many amazing women in this industry who all do what they love every day and really do create some of the most beautiful jewelry I’ve ever seen,” Noga said of the experience.
“I'm thrilled to be able to launch my collection with Ylang 23. They have been so supportive and helpful already, it’s like a dream come true to call them my first retail partner.”
For more information on TheNextNow, visit the competition’s website.
Designers Khazzam and Yau then announced Noga as the winner. Her prize includes an online presentation, presence and promotion on Ylang 23’s website with possibility of a purchase order, a one-year mentorship with TrendSeeder, a presentation and meeting with the Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buying team, a showcase and presentation to retailers with For Future Reference at Paris Fashion Week and mentorship from some of the judges.
“It was such a treat for me to meet so many amazing women in this industry who all do what they love every day and really do create some of the most beautiful jewelry I’ve ever seen,” Noga said of the experience.
“I'm thrilled to be able to launch my collection with Ylang 23. They have been so supportive and helpful already, it’s like a dream come true to call them my first retail partner.”
For more information on TheNextNow, visit the competition’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
