CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
TrendsAug 10, 2017
Loriann Jewelry Nabs New Designer of the Year Honors
Helmed by Connecticut-based Lori Friedman, the line is designed to be casual and colorful.
The work of Spanish artist Joan Miró inspired this one-off pendant from Loriann Jewels’ “Organique” collection. It features, from bottom to top, a custom-cut amethyst, Ethiopian opal and fire opal in a 14-karat rose gold setting on a 14-karat rose gold chain ($2,500 retail).
New York--Loriann Jewelry, the namesake brand of Connecticut-based Lori Ann Friedman, has been named the Mort Abelson New Designer of the Year.
Now in its 40th year, the award is given out annually at the summer JA New York show to one of the exhibitors showing in the New Designer Gallery. Votes cast by retailers, editors and past gallery participants determine the winner.
The award is named for the late Mort Abelson, the former director of the show who conceived of a space for emerging artists only. Designers who exhibited in the gallery when they were new include David Yurman, Katy Brunini, Alex Sepkus and Paula Crevoshay.
The most recent winners of the Mort Abelson award were Alexis Kletjian (2016) and Jocelyn Prestia, whose brand is called Unhada (2015).
These earrings feature more lapis, with Ethiopian opal and fire opal, all in 14-karat yellow gold ($2,750).
From Loriann Jewelry’s “Talisman” collection comes this horn-shaped lapis pendant with Ethiopian opal, fire opal and diamonds, set in 14-karat yellow gold on a 14-karat yellow gold chain ($2,900).
From the “Water & Ice” collection, two custom-cut amethysts layered with an Ethiopian opal and sapphire pendant, all in 14-karat yellow gold ($1,350)
Lori Friedman is the designer behind Loriann Jewelry. She also does watercolor paintings and says her experimentation with color in that medium has crossed over into her jewelry design.
Friedman, whose first career was as a graphic designer and art director for an engineering company, said she started in jewelry about 15 years ago, collecting gemstones and then taking a class on jewelry-making in Norwalk, Connecticut.
Her ultimate goal, at first, was to get into Mitchell Stores, a still-family-owned retailer that’s been in business since 1958 in Westport, Connecticut, where Friedman lives. (Second-generation owner Jack Mitchell is the author of the business bestseller “Hug Your Customers.”)
Friedman said she achieved that goal but, now, is taking her line a step further by using the same organic-looking gemstones but graduating from her primarily silver “Water & Ice” collection to her first collection completely in gold--14 karat--with diamond pave and rubies.
She designs the pieces then has them made, some overseas and some in New York.
Friedman said her ultimate goal in designing is not to follow a trend but to mirror people’s lifestyle today, which tends to be more casual.
“I wanted a line that people can wear every day,” she told National Jeweler at the show shortly after accepting the award.
In addition to designing jewelry, Friedman also paints watercolors--which she said taught her to be more experimental with color--and she mixes the two mediums on her company’s Instagram account and Facebook page.
For more information, email loriannjewelry@gmail.com.
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
