This Designer Has Found a New Way to Bring Gemstones to Life
Svetlana Lazar’s “Wishing Well” collection utilizes an innovative component to mimic the movement of water beneath them.

At least, that’s part of the inspiration behind her “Wishing Well” collection, which features a unique gold setting that mimics the movement of water.
When she created the collection, she had been experimenting with translating into metal the tranquility one feels when observing the movement of water and its resulting ripples dancing across the surface.
At the same time, the self-proclaimed lover of fairytale illustrations also had an image in her head of a woman sitting by a wishing well, ready to cast her wish, captivated by the floating bubbles coming from a magical creature at the bottom of the well.
“Somehow, miraculously, Wishing Well is what came out of this after much tinkering and fabrication at the bench,” Lazar told National Jeweler.
What Lazar created is a visual effect that looks exactly like there is water moving under the stones.
The illusion is created using an all-gold setting with a kinetic component and some very precise fabrication.
See: The Wishing Well Collection in Action Below
She also noted that selecting the right gems is vital to the pieces, since the translucency, color, saturation, and inclusions can all affect the final “experience.”
The collection is one the designer said she’s been perfecting and experimenting with over the years, organically becoming an integral part of her brand’s lineup.
And it continues to evolve; Lazar said she has retired the mixed metal styles she used to offer and currently is working on 18-karat gold styles that start at $1,475.
But Wishing Well is just one of a few fantastical lines from the designer.
“Jewelry has always been a portal and retreat away from the chaos of daily life, so I want that space to be soothing and filled with light, whimsy, and magic. Sometimes I joke that my jewelry is for introverts as a means of an escape.”
See: Jewels from the Sceptre and Tiara Collections
The brand also has its “Sceptre” and “Tiara” collections to continue the fantasy theme while empowering the wearer via its classic regal symbols.
“These ideas are a metaphor, so I don’t try to literally copy these shapes into metal form; I only aim to translate and distill their essence into my jewelry.”
Both feature a plethora of colored gemstones, which, much like Wishing Well, require an investment of time to choose each stone and figure out which setting will best enhance it.
Some she might give a closed reflective backing to enhance the already present glow of a stone, she noted, while for others she may leave the back open to allow the color to better blend with the wearer’s skin.
To create a sense of light and motion that keeps the wearer’s eyes engaged with the jewels, Lazar utilizes her signature “dragon scale” texture on the metals, designed to reflect even more light.
To see her collections in person, visit Svetlana Lazar at the upcoming Melee New York jewelry trade show, slated for Aug. 15-17 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.
The Latest

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.


Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
























