TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
EditorsAug 28, 2017
Gramming NY Now: 7 Top Designs
Here’s what our Associate Editor deemed worth Instagramming from the recently concluded trade show.
When I was at the NY Now trade show last week, the exhibitors with whom I spoke said traffic was lacking at the Javits Center, likely a result of the show’s relocation of the Handmade section, which houses most of the contemporary jewelry designers.
Hopefully visitors will be more familiar with the new layout come February 2018 when NY Now returns, because there is much to be discovered from the quality group of artisanal designers who exhibit at the show regularly.
Marian Maurer had a cornucopia of gemmy goodness to share, all set in her signature matte finish. She showed me lavender spinels and Gemfields rubies so vibrant she characterizes them as “hot pink.”
I was particularly taken with the below stacks of Gemfields emeralds and Montana sapphires. No two of the sapphires Maurer has sourced are exactly alike in shade--the combination of these variant hues in a single eternity band is striking.
A post shared by Ashley Davis (@ashleylikesgems) on Aug 27, 2017 at 8:15am PDT
Adel Chefridi has amassed a small collection of carved gemstones that he brought to NY Now, set into pendants and rings.
I admired the bold gold and diamond ring setting he created for the carved tourmaline pictured and how the lines of the former echo the latter.
A post shared by Ashley Davis (@ashleylikesgems) on Aug 26, 2017 at 6:21am PDT
The resurgence of the hoop earring has been one of 2017’s top jewelry trends, and I love seeing how different designers make the jewelry staple their own.
I saw the below hoops at Page Sargisson’s booth. Sargisson infused the saleable style with some of her signature design elements: bold stones, in this case a pair of spinels, which were mismatched in color, and tactile 18-karat gold in which you feel the maker’s touch.
A post shared by Ashley Davis (@ashleylikesgems) on Aug 27, 2017 at 2:14pm PDT
I took the opportunity to catch up with a few brands at NY Now that I missed during Couture. One of them was Ila, designed by Texas-based brother and sister duo Vikas and Ila Sodhani.
My take on Ila’s design MO is that they perfect classic jewelry pieces, creating the perfect cocktail ring or the perfect gold band (and I think they’ve done it, more on that in a future article on their new Boyfriend Band), making endless minute adjustments until they’ve deemed a piece just right.
Vikas said the gold bracelet with trillion-cut diamonds, pictured here, was the show’s most popular item and it’s easy to see why--it’s a little classic and a little edgy, and it doesn’t get better than
that beautiful matte finish. The single diamond bracelet next to it is the Ila version of the perfect minimal cuff.
Speaking of brands I didn’t see in Vegas, Instagram images of the new Polly Wales skulls and locks have been haunting me ever since my overly ambitious schedule led me to miss my appointment with the designer at Couture.
I went to NY Now hoping to get to the Polly Wales booth first, but the new Handmade section setup left me a little disoriented and I was distracted by several shiny things, so I only finally arrived at the Polly Wales booth when it was being packed up for the day.
So I did what any jewelry-obsessed editor would do--I went back the next morning so I could finally hold the lock pendants in my hand. I did, and it was magic. Particularly the multicolored sapphire version.
I wrote about Garnish when they were a part of JCK’s Rising Stars in Las Vegas this year.
Designer Caitlin Royal uses actual food items to create the molds for her jewelry, like cardamom seed pods.
Her rosemary leave pieces are still my favorite. The natural texture of the herb is extremely elegant translated into gold and not at all obvious.
I’m excited to visit Lori McLean’s store in the East Village of Manhattan. McLean is completely inspired by antique design. She cherry-picks her favorite antique finds to create contemporary versions that give a nod to the past but are utterly timeless.
I was particularly entranced with this kite-shaped diamond ring. McLean repurposed the diamond from an antique piece and gave it new life with a mixed metal look.
A post shared by Ashley Davis (@ashleylikesgems) on Aug 27, 2017 at 9:49am PDT
Speaking of brands I didn’t see in Vegas, Instagram images of the new Polly Wales skulls and locks have been haunting me ever since my overly ambitious schedule led me to miss my appointment with the designer at Couture.
I went to NY Now hoping to get to the Polly Wales booth first, but the new Handmade section setup left me a little disoriented and I was distracted by several shiny things, so I only finally arrived at the Polly Wales booth when it was being packed up for the day.
So I did what any jewelry-obsessed editor would do--I went back the next morning so I could finally hold the lock pendants in my hand. I did, and it was magic. Particularly the multicolored sapphire version.
A post shared by Ashley Davis (@ashleylikesgems) on Aug 28, 2017 at 6:54am PDT
I wrote about Garnish when they were a part of JCK’s Rising Stars in Las Vegas this year.
Designer Caitlin Royal uses actual food items to create the molds for her jewelry, like cardamom seed pods.
Her rosemary leave pieces are still my favorite. The natural texture of the herb is extremely elegant translated into gold and not at all obvious.
A post shared by Ashley Davis (@ashleylikesgems) on Aug 26, 2017 at 11:03am PDT
I’m excited to visit Lori McLean’s store in the East Village of Manhattan. McLean is completely inspired by antique design. She cherry-picks her favorite antique finds to create contemporary versions that give a nod to the past but are utterly timeless.
I was particularly entranced with this kite-shaped diamond ring. McLean repurposed the diamond from an antique piece and gave it new life with a mixed metal look.
A post shared by Ashley Davis (@ashleylikesgems) on Aug 28, 2017 at 6:19am PDT
More on Editors
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
