The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Five Medallions and Their Meanings
Worn as much for personal protection as for fashion, jewelry designers talk about the meaning behind their contemporary versions of an ancient style.
Medallions have been worn since antiquity but have gained a new resonance over the past few years among fine jewelry designers, who are updating classic symbols and making them their own.
The reasons for making and wearing such talisman haven’t changed. Designers are donning their own medallions to invoke protection, guidance, luck, or as reminders of where they’re going or what they’ve overcome.
“I love protective medallions because it reminds us to have inner strength and that we are warriors,” said Joy Smith, designer of Communion by Joy.
Like all the jewelry she makes, Smith carves the wax molds for her medallions herself and considers herself a channel for messages from the universe.
While many of her medallions feature symbols pulled from various religions and traditions, such as the Virgin Mary or a dove, some styles are unique to Smith.
Her favorite medallion is her “Light Language Halo Necklace,” which she inscribes with abstract symbols directly conveyed by the divine life source.
“The symbols are etched by my hands, which are channeled by the divine light, which carry the vibration, or energy, of light,” said the designer, who recently opened a Culver City, California showroom and event space that hosts healers of a variety of modalities.
Smith’s spiritual take on medallions is a theme I encountered with the other designers I interviewed.
Beth Bugdaycay’s line Foundrae is completely centered on symbols, elevating contemporary fine fashion jewelry to heirloom-worthy talismans laden with meaning and emotion.
The themes of her symbols range from strength to karma, but wholeness is the concept resonating most with Bugdaycay.
“To me, the feeling of being whole holds a special place in my heart because I didn’t feel this way when I was in the midst of leaving a 20-year career. You’ll see a diverse group of symbols implemented throughout our Wholeness medallions and these symbols signify what I needed to feel whole again,” she explained.
A snake symbolizing rejuvenation and a crescent moon symbolizing growth are among the icons that Bugdaycay relies on as visual intentions, and wants her customers to use as guides as well.
“I want people to remember that this medallion is not a lucky charm and I
In an industry that relies on the emotional value of jewelry to connect with customers, and struggles with societal delays in traditional life milestones like marriage and anniversaries, perhaps the fine jewelry designers creating such intention-packed pieces have found a new, authentic way to engage.
Designer Carole Le Bris Perez creates jewelry that is an homage to her favorite visual artists from Pablo Picasso to Jean-Michel Basquiat. Her new medallions, launched within the last year, are similarly inspired by art but mark Le Bris Perez’s most personal jewelry yet.
“Luck and love,” she mused, “I think these are the two most important things in life. I wanted to create a good luck medallion that I can wear every day, even under the shower, and with every outfit; jewels that create good luck and love, with a nice sparkly diamond in it.”
“She made huge sculptures of ‘nanas,’ representing love, fertility and femininity. I loved her whimsical designs so she inspired me to do that medallion with a heart and pastel pink and bone-colored enamel. I layer them and wear them every day. It makes me feel protected.”
Marlo Laz designer Jesse Lazowski’s aesthetic is entirely her own but the seed of inspiration for her latest collection is nature, particularly of the Southwest, its landscape and peoples.
"The ‘Guiding Light Sapphire Pendant’ is my interpretation of the Native American sun symbol,” said the young talent. “With a palette of sapphires from orange to purple, the hues capture the desert sunset and sunrise. Not only does it stand for happiness and strength, but it also serves as a reminder to let your intuition guide you and let your inner light shine through."
The Latest
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show