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.
TrendsAug 01, 2017
Semi-Mounts & Tiaras: Wendy Brandes’ Bridal Collection
The jewelry designer, a recent WJA Awards for Excellence winner, has gone on all in on wedding jewelry.
This one-of-a-kind tiara was the debut piece of Wendy Brandes’ bridal collection. It features a South Sea pearl, 76 diamonds weighing a total of 0.5 carats, four rubies totaling 0.09 carats, 18-karat rose gold wire and 18-karat yellow gold.
New York--Jewelry designer Wendy Brandes is going all in on bridal, officially launching a collection of one-of-a-kind, bespoke and limited-edition semi-mount wedding jewelry.
Though Brandes always has worked closely with clients to create custom wedding pieces, the brand now will have several one-of-a-kind pieces in stock, rather than doing them all on a made-to-order basis.
Wendy Brandes Wedding is priced at $10,000 and up at retail.
It’s offered in three tiers, all of which are available to retailers:
1. One hundred percent custom;
2. One-of-a-kind pieces that are in stock; and
3. Limited-edition semi-mount options, for which production will never exceed more than five of each design created.
Brandes is known for paying as much attention to function as she does to form, considering details from all sides, and the aesthetic very much carries over to her new bridal collection, which officially debuted in July with a one-of-a kind snake tiara.
The Victorian-inspired piece features two twisting snakes that meet in the center to create a heart shape, in which is nestled a baroque South Sea pearl.
The snakes’ eyes are rubies, a nod to the fact that the bride who wore it on loan from the brand got married in July, along with 76 diamonds totaling 0.5 carats to complement the satin-polished and blackened gold.
This ballerina-style ring is available as a limited-edition semi-mount. The ring is made in platinum and also features 18-karat rose gold or 18-karat yellow gold hidden text, 199 round diamonds and diamond baguettes on side. The ring pictured here has a diamond center stone, though that can be selected according to the bride ($18,500, without center stone).
The limited-edition heart-shaped “Gravity” ring is customizable. Though seen here in platinum, it can be made in the customer’s choice of 18-karat rose, yellow or white gold.
This ring is available as a limited-edition semi-mount and can be stacked with others. It’s made in 18-karat gold, though also available in 18-karat rose and white gold or platinum, and features diamonds and rubies, with the choice of alternate stones.
This one-of-a-kind ring from Brandes has already sold, but is used to show retailers and customers her aesthetic. It features a 2.5-carat heirloom diamond in 18-karat rose gold.
Wendy Brandes Wedding is for “sophisticated, unconventional brides and grooms who want exquisitely made, wearable jewelry that reflects their unique personalities,” the brand said about the new collection.
“A lot of customers who find me by referral tell me they never planned to wear an engagement ring or wedding band--until they found out that practically anything is possible,” she said. “I’ve made a 2.5-carat antique diamond look low-key; I’ve made a 64-point diamond look like 3.5 carats. That said, the beauty and value of my work is not only about the size of the center stone. My customers care about design and differentiation, which is something that happens in the metalwork.”
In addition to bridal jewelry for women, Brandes also creates wedding designs for men, including engagement rings, wedding bands, cufflinks and shirt studs, and unisex jewelry to be worn by anyone.
Brandes has received a number of awards for her work, most recently receiving Award for Excellence in Design from the Women’s Jewelry Association in New York.
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.
