SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsDec 09, 2020
What I’d Like to Find Underneath My Christmas Tree
In a nod to a top trend in 2020 and to end the year on a happy note, Senior Editor, Gemstones Brecken Branstrator fills up her wish list with rainbow jewels.
At the top of Senior Editor, Gemstones Brecken Branstrator’s jewelry wish list for the holidays is this cabochon gemstone bracelet from Harwell Godfrey.
The idea of creating a “jewelry wish list” story is one that fills me with both glee and dread, but the latter only because my initial thought is, how will I ever narrow it down?
This year also presented an interesting obstacle in that, after Tucson, I didn’t see any jewelry in person due to COVID-19. That meant trying to remember the favorites of what I had been emailed or seen scrolling through Instagram.
And then I realized I had likely already created my wish list through that little thing called the screenshot.
Sure enough, after going in to my phone’s camera roll, where there was usually photo after photo of jewelry taken during work travel or events, there were many screenshots, presenting me with what I saw as a curated selection of what I liked enough as I was scrolling social media to push those little buttons and save forever.
As I was looking through them, a trend quickly popped up in my selections, one that has also run through jewelry overall of late: rainbow gemstones.
As a person who struggles with picking one colored stone over another, it makes a lot of sense I’d be into the pieces that allow me to have all of them. Plus, it’s 2020 after all, and that requires some wearable happiness.
So, in the spirit of spreading that joy through this blog, here is my (non-exhaustive, of course) wish list in the form of my favorite rainbow jewels from 2020.
Allow me to start with the piece I think I am currently lusting for most.
This year also presented an interesting obstacle in that, after Tucson, I didn’t see any jewelry in person due to COVID-19. That meant trying to remember the favorites of what I had been emailed or seen scrolling through Instagram.
And then I realized I had likely already created my wish list through that little thing called the screenshot.
Sure enough, after going in to my phone’s camera roll, where there was usually photo after photo of jewelry taken during work travel or events, there were many screenshots, presenting me with what I saw as a curated selection of what I liked enough as I was scrolling social media to push those little buttons and save forever.
As I was looking through them, a trend quickly popped up in my selections, one that has also run through jewelry overall of late: rainbow gemstones.
As a person who struggles with picking one colored stone over another, it makes a lot of sense I’d be into the pieces that allow me to have all of them. Plus, it’s 2020 after all, and that requires some wearable happiness.
So, in the spirit of spreading that joy through this blog, here is my (non-exhaustive, of course) wish list in the form of my favorite rainbow jewels from 2020.
Allow me to start with the piece I think I am currently lusting for most.
To be fair, I am in love with practically every piece Lauren Harwell Godfrey makes for her eponymous brand. I wore a few jewels to Gem Awards this year, and don’t tell Lauren, but I came pretty close to just running away with everything I borrowed and never coming back.
But the Harwell Godfrey cabochon bracelet in the post above is beyond everything else for me. It’s so gemmy, my heart can’t take it. It’s big, the colors are beautiful, and it makes me so happy.
The piece features aquamarine, tanzanite, amethyst, pink tourmaline, mandarin garnet and yellow beryl as well as diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold; it retails for $25,000 at Twist.
But the Harwell Godfrey cabochon bracelet in the post above is beyond everything else for me. It’s so gemmy, my heart can’t take it. It’s big, the colors are beautiful, and it makes me so happy.
The piece features aquamarine, tanzanite, amethyst, pink tourmaline, mandarin garnet and yellow beryl as well as diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold; it retails for $25,000 at Twist.
The next two choices probably aren’t that surprising since both brands’ ethos are wrapped in color.
Rainbow jewelry is a signature for Robinson Pelham, and I am over the moon for the piece created for Muzo’s latest collaboration with designers using faceted emeralds from its mine. The variety of colored gems combined with the structure and shape of the earrings would have me wearing these “Stralle” earrings seen above year-round.
They’re set with Muzo emeralds, multicolored sapphires and tsavorite garnet in 18-karat yellow gold ($38,940).
Rainbow jewelry is a signature for Robinson Pelham, and I am over the moon for the piece created for Muzo’s latest collaboration with designers using faceted emeralds from its mine. The variety of colored gems combined with the structure and shape of the earrings would have me wearing these “Stralle” earrings seen above year-round.
They’re set with Muzo emeralds, multicolored sapphires and tsavorite garnet in 18-karat yellow gold ($38,940).
And of course, what would a colorful wish list be without the inclusion of Jane Taylor Jewelry?
I love that the brand’s “Cirque” cuffs are loaded with color. Channel-setting the gems and keeping their size conservative makes them everyday wearable, alone or in a stack.
The cuffs are made in 14-karat yellow gold with red garnet, citrine, yellow beryl, green tourmaline, blue topaz, iolite, and amethyst ($5,720).
I love that the brand’s “Cirque” cuffs are loaded with color. Channel-setting the gems and keeping their size conservative makes them everyday wearable, alone or in a stack.
The cuffs are made in 14-karat yellow gold with red garnet, citrine, yellow beryl, green tourmaline, blue topaz, iolite, and amethyst ($5,720).
Featherstone Design is a great addition to any wish list because you know, with versatility as a cornerstone of the brand, that you’re getting more than meets the eye.
At the top of my general jewelry wish list right now is a pair of hoops set with stones all the way around—an updated look to a jewelry staple.
There are a lot of great gem-set hoops out there right now, but this pair from designer Deirdre Featherstone, with its rainbow gems all perfectly in order, checks off all my boxes, plus more—they can also be worn with enhancers, allowing for an extra drop to be attached.
(Visit the brand’s Instagram account to see an example of what that looks like.)
These stunners are set with diamond, sapphire, spessartite garnet, tanzanite, Paraiba tourmaline, indigo tourmaline, champagne garnet, ruby, blue zircon, tsavorite garnet and spinel, all in platinum (price available upon request).
At the top of my general jewelry wish list right now is a pair of hoops set with stones all the way around—an updated look to a jewelry staple.
There are a lot of great gem-set hoops out there right now, but this pair from designer Deirdre Featherstone, with its rainbow gems all perfectly in order, checks off all my boxes, plus more—they can also be worn with enhancers, allowing for an extra drop to be attached.
(Visit the brand’s Instagram account to see an example of what that looks like.)
These stunners are set with diamond, sapphire, spessartite garnet, tanzanite, Paraiba tourmaline, indigo tourmaline, champagne garnet, ruby, blue zircon, tsavorite garnet and spinel, all in platinum (price available upon request).
Inspired by Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff’s inclusion of the pieces she’d get if she won the lottery—because what’s a wish list without those unattainable-yet-still-so-lustworthy pieces—I’ve included one of my favorite high jewels I’ve covered this year.
The necklace comes from Pomellato’s first high jewelry collection, launched this summer.
Using 50 different gemstone varieties, the new collection is a color lover’s dream.
The pièce de résistance is the jewel pictured above, the “Gourmette Caméléon” choker, which features 29 gold links set with a gradation of colored gemstones—from various multicolored sapphires to emeralds, tourmalines, spinel, tsavorite and other garnets, rubies, tanzanite, aquamarine, topaz and diamonds, perfectly arranged according to 27 color nuances.
Nearly 200 hours of work went into the piece (its price is available upon request), and it’s pure perfection, if I do say so myself.
The necklace comes from Pomellato’s first high jewelry collection, launched this summer.
Using 50 different gemstone varieties, the new collection is a color lover’s dream.
The pièce de résistance is the jewel pictured above, the “Gourmette Caméléon” choker, which features 29 gold links set with a gradation of colored gemstones—from various multicolored sapphires to emeralds, tourmalines, spinel, tsavorite and other garnets, rubies, tanzanite, aquamarine, topaz and diamonds, perfectly arranged according to 27 color nuances.
Nearly 200 hours of work went into the piece (its price is available upon request), and it’s pure perfection, if I do say so myself.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
