Events & Awards

TheNextNow Crowns a New Winner

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.

20170824_NextNow-insert2.jpg
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.”


Eva Noga’s Hestia Earrings in 14-karat yellow gold with tourmaline, Herkimer diamonds and baguette diamonds ($918) 
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.


From left to right: TrendSeeder founder Avani Patel, Elle magazine Senior Accessories Editor Jennifer Gach, designers Sharon Khazzam and Wing Yau of Wwake, winner of the third edition of The

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.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Stock image of shipping containers in port
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

Jorge Adeler Gods & Heroes coin pendant
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.

Courtney Leidy Amethyst Silk Cord Pendant
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings

Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

NJ Article image.png
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of Relationships

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.

Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Trucks at De Beers’ Orapa mine in Botswana
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2

Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.

Silvia Furmanovich Enchapado en Tamo Wooden Wheat Straw Sun Earrings
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s

“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Saracen Casino
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino Store

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

Kate Spade New York watches
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New York

The watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.

Stock photo of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods

The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.

Monica Rich Kosann Enchanted Garden Cherry Necklace
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is Fruitful

The “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.

Liljenquist new Rolex boutique McLean Virginia
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New Boutique

It’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

The Retail Smith Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond Market

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Graff Seraphina Brooch and Lina Pendant
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches Metamorphosize

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

Rough diamonds from De Beers’ Gahcho Kue mine in Canada
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De Beers

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones Exempt

The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

Vhernier Freccia High Jewelry Necklace
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High Jewelry

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

Krista Collins Walters
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of Instore

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Attendees at the Jewelry Symposium
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 Event

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

HOWL Frida Venetian Glass Collar
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ Campaign

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A diamond ring in a jewelry box
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot Sale

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

Unveiling Rarities
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens Memoir

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Guzema Founder and Creative Director Valeriya Guzema and Co-Owner and CEO Mariana Lenha
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year Anniversary

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.

Main camp at Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine

The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.

Necklace from Vhernier’s “Freccia” high jewelry collection
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a Row

Jewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy