CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2017
TheNextNow Crowns a New Winner
Emerging fine jewelry designer Eva Noga won the third edition of the competition that promotes new talent.
Pictured here are designs from Eva Noga, winner of the third edition of TheNextNow, on display at Brand Assembly in New York during the competition.
New York--Only a year after Dallas retailer Ylang 23 and fashion incubator TrendSeeder inaugurated TheNextNow, a design competition for emerging jewelry designers, they’ve selected the biannual event’s third winner.
Eva Noga clinched the top honors from a pool of 30 finalists selected to showcase their work to a group of judges in Manhattan last week.
The designer’s eponymous Queens, New York-based brand was only founded this year, with its first collection being finished a month ago.
“Eva had previously designed costume jewelry, so it’s especially impressive that her first fine collection is this beautiful, given how hard it is to transition from costume to fine,” said Ylang 23 Vice President, Business Development Alysa Teichman. “I’m excited that Ylang 23 will be the first retailer to launch the collection.”
Noga’s costume jewelry label, called Eva Hanusova, was sold in stores like Anthropologie and Free People. The designer’s new fine line is made in 14-karat gold and precious and semi-precious gemstones and is inspired by what she says is her greatest passion after jewelry--gardening.
“I really have a true passion for anything botanical, which has inspired my collection,” Noga explained. “(It’s) filled with diamond-accented beetles, spiders and otherworldly critters.”
Noga’s take on insects and flowers caught the attention of the judges who made up this edition’s panel. Joanne Teichman, founder of Ylang 23, and TrendSeeder’s Avani Patel were joined by Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buyer Kelly Doherty, Elle magazine Senior Accessories Editor Jennifer Gach, designers Sharon Khazzam and Wing Yau of Wwake and co-founder of fine jewelry sales and press agency For Future Reference, Meaghan Flynn Petropoulous.
“Eva Noga is a standout for both design and salability,” said Alysa Teichman, who organizes TheNextNow. “The bug series, which resonated most with the judges, is inspired by nature and features irregularly shaped stones in the juiciest, most vibrant colors.”
After judging the 30 finalists’ work and before announcing the winner of TheNextNow, Teichman moderated a panel with the competition judges, in which they discussed the challenges of the jewelry design market today and answered questions from the audience, which included designers who weren’t selected as finalists but wished to view the competition process.
Next Now Eva Noga, For Future Reference co-founder Meaghan Flynn Petropoulous, Bergdorf Goodman fine jewelry buyer Kelly Doherty, Ylang 23 founder Joanne Teichman and the company’s Vice President, Business Development, Alysa Teichman
Designers Khazzam and Yau then announced Noga as the winner. Her prize includes an online presentation, presence and promotion on Ylang 23’s website with possibility of a purchase order, a one-year mentorship with TrendSeeder, a presentation and meeting with the Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buying team, a showcase and presentation to retailers with For Future Reference at Paris Fashion Week and mentorship from some of the judges.
“It was such a treat for me to meet so many amazing women in this industry who all do what they love every day and really do create some of the most beautiful jewelry I’ve ever seen,” Noga said of the experience.
“I'm thrilled to be able to launch my collection with Ylang 23. They have been so supportive and helpful already, it’s like a dream come true to call them my first retail partner.”
For more information on TheNextNow, visit the competition’s website.
Designers Khazzam and Yau then announced Noga as the winner. Her prize includes an online presentation, presence and promotion on Ylang 23’s website with possibility of a purchase order, a one-year mentorship with TrendSeeder, a presentation and meeting with the Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buying team, a showcase and presentation to retailers with For Future Reference at Paris Fashion Week and mentorship from some of the judges.
“It was such a treat for me to meet so many amazing women in this industry who all do what they love every day and really do create some of the most beautiful jewelry I’ve ever seen,” Noga said of the experience.
“I'm thrilled to be able to launch my collection with Ylang 23. They have been so supportive and helpful already, it’s like a dream come true to call them my first retail partner.”
For more information on TheNextNow, visit the competition’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
