Editors

When jewelry meets genetics

EditorsJun 22, 2015

When jewelry meets genetics

I think I am slowly but surely making one of my blog specialties interesting jewelry that borders on strange or even weird, and I have to say, I’m pretty OK with it.

I enjoy going beyond the beautiful pieces that we’re treated to every day to explore where jewelry is meeting science and innovation (see: this and this.)

The Internet recently gifted me a new topic when I stumbled onto a piece by British designer Alexander Davis, who creates DNA pendants that are unique to each wearer and inspired by his degree in biochemistry.

When a DNA pendant is commissioned by a client, they take a blood sample from the wearer (so, not for the faint of heart) and send it to a lab for DNA sequencing, Davis told me over email. They then find an area of their DNA that is likely to contain some unique code on which they can model the pendant.




The combination of gemstones on the necklace corresponds to a unique part of that sequence, representing their four-letter DNA code.

This particular one pictured here is made in platinum and set with diamonds and sapphires, but each pendant can be customized with the gems of the wearer’s choice, which of course affects the price.

Davis told me that his DNA pendants are priced from £15,000 (roughly $23,800) depending on stone selection and the blood sequence, which may seem a little steep, but then again these pendants would offer the wearer the epitome of one of the top trends today--a truly unique, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Mug shots of murder suspects Michael McCormack and Charles Robinson Shay
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.

Five Platinum Pieces
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight Program

PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.

Kristie Nicolosi
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board Again

Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Karina Brez Bit of LUV Bracelet
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the Derby

Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.

Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Pandora jewelry
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1

The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.

Glenn Lewis
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68

The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.

The back of the Baume & Mercier watch Elvis gave to Dodie Marshall
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K

Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

Harwell Godfrey
IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First Store

It is located in Marin County, California.

Woman holding a dress
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in April

Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.

Syna emerald earrings
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on Emeralds

May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.

Jacqui Larsson Looking at a Diamond
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director

Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Tiffany Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Wings Pendant
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue Book

The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.

Zales 100th Anniversary Marketing Campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New Campaign

The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.

Tim Schlick
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEO

Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.

Canadian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit

It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.

Supplier Spotlight -GIA -Recorded-Webinar.png
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your Business

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

De Beers polished in tweezers
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to Botswana

Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.

Simone I. Smith SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection

“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.

Venus Jewelers Logo
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 Years

The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.

Established Mom tattoo pendant
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRF

Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

Gemological Institute of America headquarters
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are Converging

The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy