MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
TrendsOct 26, 2016
James Taffin de Givenchy has a Dedicated Coffee-Table Book
After 20 years of creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces, the work of the famed jeweler has been aggregated into a luxurious volume.
Sapphire crystal, diamond, silver, and platinum "wings" pin, 2006 © Taffin - photograph by Philippe de Givenchy for Taffin
New York--While one might assume that coming from a family as artistically lauded as the Givenchys would have its benefits, “there exists an unsaid rule that forbids the transfer of talent and fame,” writes Stephanie LaCava in Taffin, The Jewelry of James de Givenchy, out this week from Rizzoli.
LaCava’s assertion serves to highlight just how spectacular Taffin’s success has proven over his 20-year career in fine jewelry. His is a quiet success; he’s earned universal, industry-wide respect while running a business that caters to a private clientele via one-of-a-kind pieces.
Taffin is the nephew of Hubert de Givenchy, the founder of the fashion house and contributor of one of the forwards for Taffin.
Taffin studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York before landing a job at Christie’s, where he hoped to work in the furniture division. Instead, he was placed in the jewelry department.
Six years later, he left Christie’s to work at Verdura before launching his own designs in 1996, inspired by the works of legends like Suzanne Belperron and JAR.
Taffin gathers more than 300 images of some of the jeweler’s greatest works produced in the past 20 years, accompanied by drawings, images of the designer’s atelier, and collages of inspirational images that lend a sort of visual pattern to the jewels, extending a piece’s narrative.
A pair of ceramic and inverted gemstone earrings sit opposite an image of a hedgehog, which serves to heighten the prickly texture of the jewelry. On another page, a collar that incorporates diamonds with strings becomes provocative placed next to a close-up photograph of a woman’s form in a corset.
An Australian opal, multicolor gemstone and platinum ring created in 1999 is juxtaposed with its inspiration, an image of molecules, continuing the narrative of the piece in Taffin. © Taffin - photograph by Philippe de Givenchy for Taffin
20161026_Taffin-2: 166.38 carats of pear-shaped kunzite set in a copper and gold pin, 2013 © Taffin - photograph by Philippe de Givenchy for Taffin
Fire opal, green tourmaline, gold, and platinum pin, 2011 © Taffin - photograph by Philippe de Givenchy for Taffin
Peridot, American freshwater pearl, and gold "flower" pin, 2000 © Taffin - photograph by Philippe de Givenchy for Taffin
Topaz, Montana sapphire, ceramic, and gold ear pendants, 2015 © Taffin - photograph by Philippe de Givenchy for Taffin
Sapphire crystal, diamond, silver, and platinum "wings" pin, 2006 © Taffin - photograph by Philippe de Givenchy for Taffin
This embrace of non-traditional materials, such as ceramic, wood, and even recycled metal from AK-47s, coupled with impressive gemstones is one of Taffin’s signatures, as is his embrace of color. His vividly hued ceramic bands, only created within the last year, have also developed into a Taffin trademark.
Ultimately, Taffin is an important career milestone, but far from a retrospective. The artist’s highly original imagination and quiet work ethic can be counted on to conjure up many more masterful works of jewelry.
Taffin, The Jewelry of James de Givenchy is written by the jeweler and
features words by Stephanie LaCava and forewords by Tobias Meyer, Hamilton South and Hubert de Givenchy. For more information, visit Rizzoliusa.com.
More on Trends
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
