Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
3 Designers Not to Miss at Vicenzaoro
Expect lots of colorful gemstones from three top designers who are set to steal the upcoming jewelry trade show.

The Vicenzaoro trade show is on the verge of descending upon its namesake Italian city, and I’ve already packed my outfits and begun plotting potential jewel-filled Instagram moments (thank you, Apple, for the increased storage on the iPhone 7).
Specifically, I’m looking forward to gushing over the work of three designers who share a love of exquisite gemstones, though each utilizes them in a way unique to their brands.
Here is a sneak peek of what to expect from them at the show.
Mexico City-raised and Los Angeles-based designer Daniela Villegas will have this “Axolotl Pendant” on display at her booth in the Design Room. An axolotl is a critically endangered species of salamander native to Mexico and is a new subject for Villegas, who has made her name in the jewelry industry through her creative fine jewelry commemoration of the natural world, particularly insects.
This pendant is made of 18-karat rose gold, opal and various colors of spinel. As the wearer moves, the legs and tail of the salamander move as well.
Nikos Koulis will display new additions to his popular “Oui” collection in Vicenza. In these earrings, the Greek designer employs his beloved, striking color combination of 18-karat white gold, black enamel, white diamonds and glowing green emeralds (which just happen to be Koulis’ favorite stone).
Expect to see exquisite variations of this color scheme, in rings, hoop earrings and a dramatic new collar.
Speaking of dramatic, even the most selfie-shy show-goers will be dying to take a snap of themselves in this choker from Sutra Jewels (I know I will.)
Houston, Texas-based designer Arpita Navlakha has outdone herself with this 6.5-carat Australian opal, 13-carat total weight diamond and 18-karat black gold choker that combines the two elements she knows best: detail and color.
Expect many more showstoppers from Navlakha at Vicenzaoro; she doesn’t really make any other kind of jewelry.
Daniela Villegas, Nikos Koulis and Sutra Jewels will all be featured in the Design Room at Vicenzaoro, from Jan. 20-25.
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.






















