The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
8 Designers to Watch in 2018
Associate Editor Ashley Davis highlights the jewelry brands poised to make an impression in the year ahead.

There was no shortage of fine jewelry design talent in 2017, but a few designers managed to make their voices heard above the others in a very saturated market.
The below eight up-and-coming brands are particularly poised to make an impression in the year ahead.
A post shared by BRENT NEALE (@brentnealejewelry) on Dec 17, 2017 at 10:42am PST
Brent Neale Jewelry
Brent Neale launched her line last year with a polish and confidence attributable to having spent eight years at Kara Ross. The New Yorker favors bold, colorful design that doesn’t get lost in a sea of other jewelers. Neale’s rainbow and unicorn pieces are more sophisticated than their inspiration would imply, but her new inlay door pieces are the most timeless of her oeuvre I’ve seen so far.
A post shared by Karma El Khalil (@karmaelkhaliljewelry) on Dec 17, 2017 at 11:10am PST
Karma El Khalil
Karma El Khalil has been building her career for the last several years but the decidedly global designer continues to expand her abilities. Her latest collection, Linea, explores the idea of fluidity that El Khalil has tinkered with before, with jewelry that lies on the body like (comfortable) armor.
A post shared by Chaoqiu He (@qiuqiu_he) on Nov 22, 2017 at 6:16am PST
Qiu Fine Jewelry
Chaoqiu He is in the early stages of launching her Qiu Fine Jewelry line—her one-of-a-kind pieces have been sold privately to her clients in the past—but is doing so with considerable aplomb. The art collector and style ambassador’s Shanghai/Shanghai collection launched in collaboration with Muzo Emeralds last year and puts the designer in the ranks of the world’s greatest high jewelers. He’s exquisite creations redefine what it means to be “made in China."
A post shared by Shihara (@shihara_official) on Nov 30, 2017 at 6:16pm PST
Shihara
Designer Yuta Ishihara has developed a successful venture with brand Shihara in his native Japan, but recently made a push into the U.S. market. The thoughtful designer, who takes a conceptual approach to his craft, is creating pieces unlike anyone in America, re-thinking basic settings, techniques and closures. Expect to see much more of Shihara’s minimal, engineer-like aesthetic in the future.
A post shared by SANTO (@santobyzani) on Dec 15, 2017 at 12:26pm PST
Santo by Zani
It’s not uncommon for a socialite to try her hand at jewelry design—the medium is, after all, an expensive one—but Santo by Zani, designed by Zani Gugelmann, exhibits a touch of brilliance deserving of buzz. Based on the concept of unfolding, and opening and closing, Gugelmann’s ceramic and gemstone-accented pendants bring geometric design to the next level.
A post shared by N∀pINƎ פHOSN (@nadineghosnjewelry) on Nov 13, 2017 at 10:17am PST
Nadine Ghosn
Fresh off a win in the high jewelry category of the DDFC/Vogue Arabia Fashion Prize, Nadine Ghosn’s cheeky, joyful line of jewels is becoming more well-known
A post shared by All Blues (@allbluesofficial) on Jul 19, 2017 at 7:56am PDT
All Blues
Speaking of jewelry imitating food, Swedish brand All Blues garnered attention for its “Ruined Omelette” series of costume jewelry, an abstract take on egg shells, whites and yolks. All Blues designs pieces for both women and men in silver and 18-karat gold vermeil, and continually pushes the design envelope, as in their latest earrings made of fabric.
A post shared by ALINA ABEGG (@alinaabegg) on Dec 6, 2017 at 9:23am PST
Alina Abegg
German-born Alina Abegg exploits the camp of outer space motifs in her namesake line. Her alien pinky rings are a signature, while less-explicit styles like her UFO studs are surprisingly wearable.
The Latest

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.


“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.




























