EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
OtherFeb 24, 2016
New Book Explores Jewelry History, in 8 Pieces
Aja Raden, who spent seven years at Tacori, has released her first book, Stoned, which explores the role eight different pieces of jewelry played in shaping major world events.
New York--Jewelers, need an idea for a unique in-store event that will spark conversation about people’s emotional connection to jewelry throughout history?
Or, are you looking for holiday gifts for members of your staff or other jewelry-lovers in your life?
Aja Raden, who spent seven years as the senior designer for Tacori, recently got her first book published. Called Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World, it is a work of narrative nonfiction and it examines how jewelry played a part in world-changing events.
The BBC listed it as one of its 10 books to read in December, and it also made Amazon’s list of best books of the month.
Also recently released was Beth Bernstein’s latest book, If These Jewels Could Talk: The Legends Behind Celebrity Gems. The writer gets into the jewelry boxes of Hollywood leading ladies and members of the noble class to find out more about their favorite baubles.
More on these two books, along with two additional new releases for the months of November and December, are below.
1. Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World
Aja Raden
Raden has been designing jewelry for more than a decade, seven of which she spent as the senior designer for Tacori. Stoned, a work of narrative nonfiction, is her first published book where she explores how eight jewels shaped the course of history. Among the historically important pieces included in the book is the diamond necklace originally commissioned by Louis XV of France and involved in the famed “Affair of the Diamond Necklace.” The affair was a very public scandal that helped to fuel the general populace’s hatred of the Bourbon monarchy and, ultimately, the French Revolution.
Stoned is 368 pages.
2. If These Jewels Could Talk: The Legends Behind Celebrity Gems
Beth Bernstein
A jewelry journalist and published author, Bernstein digs into the jewelry boxes of some of the world’s most well-known women to bring to light their tastes, true stories and the heart-felt memories of how, when and from whom they got their jewelry. The book starts with Hollywood and nobility in the 1920s and extends through modern day.
If These Jewels Could Talk is 256 pages.
3. The Anatomy of a Calling: A Road Map for Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose
Dr. Lissa Rankin
Rankin is
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
a physician and the best-selling author of Mind Over Medicine. In her new book, a memoir, she chronicles her own journey in order to help readers understand where they are on their life’s path, and to encourage them to trust their intuition, surrender to love and learn to see adversity as an opportunity for growth.
The Anatomy of a Calling is 288 pages.
4. Asians Wear Clothes on the Internet: Race, Gender and the Work of Personal Style Blogging
Minh-Ha T. Pham
Pham’s book is being touted as the first to examine the personal style blogosphere, specifically bloggers in Asia who have made a (good) living posting photos of themselves wearing clothes on the Internet. This book can help readers understand the changing dynamics of race, gender and class helping to shape the digital fashion economy.
Asians Wear Clothes on the Internet is 272 pages.
More on Other
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
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.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
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.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
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.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
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.
