AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2021
Meet TheNextNow’s Winning Designer
Pari by Pari Sofianou nabbed the top prize at the jewelry design competition’s sixth edition.
Pari Sofianou is a Greek designer who counts Pippa Small as a mentor. She won the sixth edition of emerging jewelry design competition TheNextNow for her brand Pari by Pari Sofianou.
Dallas—This year, Ylang 23 brought back its popular design competition, TheNextNow, for its sixth iteration.
In partnership with New York City beauty and fashion incubator The Ember Company, the Dallas fine jewelry retailer announced Pari by Pari Sofianou as the winning brand.
Designer Sofianou was born in Athens and lived for several years in London, where she studied scenography, or stage design, at St. Martins College of Art.
In London, Sofianou met jewelry designer Pippa Small, who introduced her to jewelry and served as a mentor.
Pari by Pari Sofianou is inspired by the cosmos, depicting planets and stars in their orbits through gold, diamonds and multicolor gemstones. Many of the pieces move, much like a mobile. The brand also counts Greek mythology and astrology among its design references.
The brand has won a Ylang 23 purchase order, as well as mentorship and promotion.
Sofianou will have mentorship access to the team of judges who selected her as well.
They were: Moda Operandi interim CEO Jim Gold; Krupp Group founder Cindy Krupp; designer Pamela Love; designer Ileana Makri; founder and owner of The Ember Company Avani Patel; Vanity Fair Accessories Editor and Vogue Jewelry Editor Daisy Shaw; and Ylang 23 founder and owner Joanne Teichman.
In partnership with New York City beauty and fashion incubator The Ember Company, the Dallas fine jewelry retailer announced Pari by Pari Sofianou as the winning brand.
Designer Sofianou was born in Athens and lived for several years in London, where she studied scenography, or stage design, at St. Martins College of Art.
In London, Sofianou met jewelry designer Pippa Small, who introduced her to jewelry and served as a mentor.
Pari by Pari Sofianou is inspired by the cosmos, depicting planets and stars in their orbits through gold, diamonds and multicolor gemstones. Many of the pieces move, much like a mobile. The brand also counts Greek mythology and astrology among its design references.
The brand has won a Ylang 23 purchase order, as well as mentorship and promotion.
Planets in orbit and the unknown mysteries of the galaxy inspire these moveable designs from emerging Greek fine jewelry brand Pari by Pari Sofianou.
Sofianou will have mentorship access to the team of judges who selected her as well.
They were: Moda Operandi interim CEO Jim Gold; Krupp Group founder Cindy Krupp; designer Pamela Love; designer Ileana Makri; founder and owner of The Ember Company Avani Patel; Vanity Fair Accessories Editor and Vogue Jewelry Editor Daisy Shaw; and Ylang 23 founder and owner Joanne Teichman.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The judging panel selected from a group of 20 designer finalists from an original submission pool of more than 75.
The finalists presented a selection of their work over Zoom.
After the judging, Ylang 23 Vice President, Business Development Alysa Teichman, who founded TheNextNow, moderated a panel with the judges on facing retail challenges, building a brand and standing out in a crowded marketplace.
TheNextNow will happen again in fall 2021.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
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.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
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.
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.
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.
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.
