Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleEvents & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry Designers
The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
These seven emerging jewelry designers will showcase their work at the 2026 Couture show as part of “The Iridescence” collective. They are, from left, Jessica Liu of Jessica Liu Designs, Aziza-Abdullah Nicole from Aziza, Marie Helena from Rebel Jewelry, Cindy Liebel of Cindy Liebel Jewelry, Danyell Roscoe of dan-yell, Xiao Wang of Xiao Wang Jewelry, and Julia de Souza of Sanct Desiderata.
New York—There’s always a lot of new jewelry to see at Couture, and this year will be no different, from the Design Atelier to the seven jewelry designers to emerge from the show’s mentorship program, Belonging @ Couture.
The group, collectively called “The Iridescence by Couture,” will be exhibiting in the Cristal ballroom.
Now in its third year, the mentorship program aims to support and amplify underrepresented voices in the jewelry industry.
The third cohort of mentees are: Aziza-Abdullah Nicole from Aziza, Cindy Liebel of Cindy Liebel Jewelry, Danyell Roscoe of dan-yell, Jessica Liu of Jessica Liu Designs, Marie Helena from Rebel Jewelry, Julia de Souza of Sanct Desiderata, and Xiao Wang of Xiao Wang Jewelry.
Learn more about who they are and what inspires them below.
The group, collectively called “The Iridescence by Couture,” will be exhibiting in the Cristal ballroom.
Now in its third year, the mentorship program aims to support and amplify underrepresented voices in the jewelry industry.
The third cohort of mentees are: Aziza-Abdullah Nicole from Aziza, Cindy Liebel of Cindy Liebel Jewelry, Danyell Roscoe of dan-yell, Jessica Liu of Jessica Liu Designs, Marie Helena from Rebel Jewelry, Julia de Souza of Sanct Desiderata, and Xiao Wang of Xiao Wang Jewelry.
Learn more about who they are and what inspires them below.
Aziza-Abdullah Nicole of Aziza is a Brooklyn-based artist, a Maryland native, and a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist. Her work is inspired by her mother’s jewelry collection, her father’s refined, hippie style, and the free-flowing clothes of the 1970s.
Nicole follows the philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfections.
Nicole follows the philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfections.
Cindy Liebel of Cindy Liebel Jewelry is a Virginia-based jeweler who takes inspiration from her mother, as well as from Scandinavian, modernist, and Art Deco architecture.
Liebel has more than 25 years of experience in retail and the corporate world, previously holding roles as a legal secretary, business administrator, and marketing assistant. She founded her eponymous jewelry brand in 2010.
Liebel has more than 25 years of experience in retail and the corporate world, previously holding roles as a legal secretary, business administrator, and marketing assistant. She founded her eponymous jewelry brand in 2010.
Danyell Roscoe of dan-yell is a Brooklyn-based jeweler whose jewelry journey began in childhood with her beloved rock collection.
“Softened geometric forms allow me to merge classic, modern, and ancient design elements. I conceive design as a continuum that keeps on going, exploring, and changing over time,” Roscoe states on her website.
“Softened geometric forms allow me to merge classic, modern, and ancient design elements. I conceive design as a continuum that keeps on going, exploring, and changing over time,” Roscoe states on her website.
Jessica Liu of Jessica Liu Designs, based in Southern California, is a self-taught metalsmith who opened her studio in 2021 after leaving her legal career.
Liu’s designs are inspired by “a spirit of exploration, spontaneity, and quiet curiosity,” according to her website.
Each jewel starts as a hand-sculpted form in wax and is created through the lost wax casting process.
Liu’s designs are inspired by “a spirit of exploration, spontaneity, and quiet curiosity,” according to her website.
Each jewel starts as a hand-sculpted form in wax and is created through the lost wax casting process.
Marie Helena from Rebel Jewelry also has a background in law but felt a similar calling to join the jewelry industry.
The Beirut, Lebanon, native moved to the United States in 2019 to continue growing her jewelry brand.
Her pieces are crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with a focus on craftsmanship and symbolism.
The Beirut, Lebanon, native moved to the United States in 2019 to continue growing her jewelry brand.
Her pieces are crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with a focus on craftsmanship and symbolism.
Julia de Souza of Sanct Desiderata founded her jewelry brand in 2012, but her love of the craft goes back to childhood.
In high school, she turned her father’s small storefront in Costa Rica into a jewelry studio and boutique, selling her handmade accessories, as per her website.
Her work is inspired by Surrealism and imbued with metaphysical, mythological, and symbolic meaning.
In high school, she turned her father’s small storefront in Costa Rica into a jewelry studio and boutique, selling her handmade accessories, as per her website.
Her work is inspired by Surrealism and imbued with metaphysical, mythological, and symbolic meaning.
Xiao Wang of Xiao Wang Jewelry is a New York-based jeweler who takes inspiration from manga and pop art, crafting her jewels using recycled gold and colored gemstones.
Wang has a family connection to the jewelry business, as her great-grandfather was in the mining business and her father is a recycled metals dealer.
Related stories will be right here …
Wang has a family connection to the jewelry business, as her great-grandfather was in the mining business and her father is a recycled metals dealer.
“The intention of our Belonging @ Couture program is to amplify the voices of designers who are otherwise underrepresented in our industry, and to provide opportunities for professional development and community building,” said Gannon Brousseau, executive vice president, Emerald.
“Couture is the perfect event for these emerging talents to be able to forge and nurture relationships with retailers, press, and Couture’s long-standing designers, all of whom have warmly embraced our designer mentorship program.”
During the two-year mentorship program, each designer is paired with a mentor for one-on-one consultations. There are also bi-weekly education sessions led by experts in a variety of fields.
The current mentors are: Anne Sportun, Corina Madilian from Single Stone, David Hakimian from DEH Solutions, designer Erica Molinari, Simone Waldron from V!ewpointnext!, Tara Maria Famiglietti from Ondyn, and Tony Goldsberry from Rock House.
Designer Jules Kim of Bijules has been serving as the program’s mentee liaison for the past five years.
Previous cohorts of Belonging @ Couture mentees include “The Radiance by Couture” and “The Luminaries by Couture.”
At the 2025 Couture show, three Belonging @ Couture graduates exhibited in the Design Atelier.
All three were Couture Design Award finalists, with Hiba Husayni from Zahn-Z winning the Best in Debuting award.
The Iridescence by Couture can be found in salon 634 in the Cristal ballroom.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
