Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
Four Pieces Trending This Holiday Season
These classic fine jewelry items are guaranteed to suit all the women on shoppers’ lists, as well as women shopping for themselves.

New York--Here come the wish lists.
The start of November signals the countdown to the busiest time of year in retail. This year, jewelers’ best-selling brands have a host of crowd-pleasing fashion fine jewelry items that are universal in appeal and ideal for timeless gifting.
Below are four key items trending this holiday season that will be as covetable 10 years from now as they are today, with something for every woman on shoppers’ lists, as well as women shopping for themselves.
The Diamond Stud Alternative
A solitaire stud earring never goes out of style but neither do these alternatives, which, like the solitaire stud, are perfect as an everyday staple but slightly more trend-driven. They are ideal for the woman who already has a pair of round-brilliant diamond stud earrings in her jewelry box.
A small “huggie” hoop earring that sits against or close to the lobe continues to maintain its popularity, and there are several variations of the style to suit different tastes.
S. Kashi and Sons makes a flattering rectangular version of the huggie, while the bright rubies on a pair from Shy Creation lend a pop of color.
John Hardy has a wide array of hoops in different metals, including several in the distinctive Bamboo style, which look luxurious in yellow gold.
Stud earrings are more interesting with multiple diamonds and a little design, like in Hearts On Fire’s petal studs, or in a climber earring, like the ones from David Yurman.
The Stacking Ring
One can never have too many stacking rings.
Gabriel & Co., Le Vian, Sylvie Collection, Anzie and Tacori stock a wide variety of designs, metals and stones that are easy to mix and match with an existing collection of rings, or even stack with a wedding band.
It’s a piece that will be reached for on a daily basis, rather than stowed away in a jewelry box.
The Dramatic Drop Earring
Big earrings have come back to the forefront in recent years and a long, drop pair are a way to embrace the maximalist mood while keeping it classic.
Bold, yellow gold versions, like the pair from Carelle’s “Disco Dots” collection and Lagos’s Caviar versions, feel classic, glamorous and give a little nod to the 1970s.
Bonus points go to the gift-givers who indulge in a colorful statement pair. Ippolita makes an array of colorful versions in different gemstone combinations
Syna’s exquisite Sleeping Beauty turquoise and diamond drops are sure to delight whoever is lucky enough to unwrap them come the holidays.
The Personalized Pendant
There’s no easier way to relay meaning in a gift than with personalized pieces of jewelry, which range from high-end diamond and gold pieces to super-affordable options.
Maps by A. Jaffe continues to come up with new versions of their clever original design, in which a diamond marks a special spot on a map customized to a location of a customer’s choosing. An understated, rectangular style feels appropriate for all ages and the back of the pendant can be engraved for an extra layer of personalization.
For shoppers who don’t want to wait for customization turn-around time, retailers can stock up on pre-selected phrases adorned with diamonds like an “I Love You” pendant from Djula or one of Roberto Coin’s “Emoji” necklaces, which portray several different moods.
Chamilia by Swarovski has a set of new sterling silver Petite Character charms with enamel wording like “Friends” and “Believe” that retail for $25, and Alex and Ani’s horoscope line of jewelry is at a similarly attainable price point.
Slate & Tell offers customization of its various charms, but also sells pre-packaged bunches targeted toward mothers and grandmothers.
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