The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
Wendy Brandes Debuts Jewelry Loan Program for Retailers
Launching at the Couture show this year, the concierge service allows select stores the ability to borrow one-of-a-kind pieces to show to their clients.

New York—In the decade-plus since she launched her namesake brand, Wendy Brandes has witnessed a great deal of change in fine jewelry retail.
From consignment to online shopping, pressure has increased on retailers and designers alike.
Now, Brandes has developed a new approach to business she feels will be easier for all parties involved: a concierge service that will allow retailers to order her one-of-a-kind pieces on loan for a two-week period to show their clientele.
If a piece sells, the retailer will add their typical mark-up; if a customer passes, the retailer can simply return it.
In a press release, Brandes explained she was inspired to create the concierge service after exhibiting at the 2016 JCK Luxury show; buyers were attracted to Brandes’ one-of-a-kind pieces but were hesitant to commit to them.
The concierge service allows retailers to select pieces specifically for their clients and show them in an intimate, one-on-one setting without any financial strings attached, giving customers access to Wendy Brandes—and her most creative and labor intensive pieces—that might not have known the brand otherwise.
“My customers know me personally,” Brandes said. “They’ve followed my blog for 10-plus years; they tweet with me until 3 a.m., and they call upon me to make some of their most emotionally significant jewelry dreams come true, like their engagement rings or wedding bands. I want to partner with retailers who have the same level of closeness with their customers. And for those who don’t have that level of authenticity yet, I want to help them create it by giving them the tools to make those connections.
She added, “We encourage our partners to keep tabs on birthdays, anniversaries and other momentous occasions in their customers’ lives. When the time comes, treat them to a glass of champagne and a one-on-one try-on of something they truly can’t get anywhere else.”
Brandes soft-launched the service in 2017 to a few retailers: Hummingbird Jewelers in Rhinebeck, New York; Steve Quick Jeweler in Chicago, Illinois; and Alexander Jewelers in Columbus, Ohio.
Alexander Jewelers’ store manager, Shane Hampton, discovered Brandes on the Couture show’s website and subsequently ordered eight one-of-a-kind pieces on loan to show a client.
Hampton said, “Alexanders Jewelers was founded with the guiding principles of exclusive individualism, and the Wendy Brandes brand fits those principles exactly. We could not be more excited to introduce the Midwest to her
Brandes is rolling out the service officially this spring at the Couture show, where she will be exhibiting.
As the program develops, Eryn Patton-Decker, the company’s head of brand development, said, “We are keeping a tight list of partners because exclusivity is what has always driven our brand. Our customers outside of New York City are looking for our signature details, like hidden diamonds and secret compartments, as well as an uncommon level of workmanship. And we’re ready to work with retailers to bring it to them, with Couture being the ideal place to make new connections across the country.”
The Latest

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.


Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.