EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
TrendsDec 05, 2016
Sydney Evan Celebrates 15 Years of Personal Jewelry
Designer Rosanne Karmes helped pioneer the modern dainty fine jewelry movement; now she’s commemorating her best sellers in a new anniversary collection.
This bracelet and necklace combine Sydney Evan’s best-selling symbols from the past 15 years.
Los Angeles--When Rosanne Karmes launched Sydney Evan in 2001, her concept of wearable, delicate fine jewelry was a novel one.
Fast-forward 15 years and Sydney Evan is synonymous with dainty good luck charms and personal jewelry that appeals to an array of demographics, providing an entry for many into the fine jewelry category.
Karmes is commemorating her most popular symbols in a 14-piece collection retailing between $440 and $19,800, which debuted last month at Bergdorf Goodman and select retailers nationwide.
The collection features wishbone, horseshoe, hamsa and evil eye pendants, plus Karmes’ “love” script necklace, all rendered in 14-karat gold with white diamonds.
The pièce de résistance is the maximalist necklace that combines all of these symbols, which is available in white gold with diamonds, yellow gold with diamonds or a multi-colored gemstone version. There is also a bracelet version.
National Jeweler chatted with the design veteran on lessons learned over the past decade and a half.
National Jeweler: How did you get started in jewelry?
Rosanne Karmes: I got a job in my senior year of high school working for a jewelry manufacturer. I stayed working in the business, learning everything from soup to nuts for eight years.
NJ: There must have been many pivotal moments for the brand since you started. Is there one in particular that has contributed to the growth of Sydney Evan?
RK: The most pivotal moment for Sydney Evan would probably be 10 years ago when I wrote out the word “love” and later made it in gold and diamonds. This launched my iconic “script” words collection that has definitely made an indelible mark on the jewelry industry. The script pieces remain top sellers year after year.
I was asked to create a custom diamond “Kate” script necklace for Kate Moss that she wore on the cover of British Vogue. Now we offer the option to customize a pave script necklace or ring with the word or name of your choice.
This is the Sydney Evan 15th anniversary edition of the “love” script necklace, which Karmes originally designed 10 years ago.
Here, Karmes combines her most popular symbols into one necklace.
14-karat gold with white diamonds Wishbone necklace
14-karat gold with white diamond Hamsa necklace
NJ: What are some of the major changes you’ve witnessed in the marketplace over the past 15 years?
RK: There were virtually only a handful of people doing designer fine jewelry that was affordable, wearable and fun 15 years ago. Early on in my career, I had to convince fine jewelry buyers that a new wave of women wanted jewelry that had a personal touch, when the market was saturated with oversized, costume pieces.
Feel-good jewelry is my strength.
NJ: What have been some of the keys to building brand longevity?
RK: All Sydney Evan jewelry is timeless. I like to design pieces that are classic, with a little twist and sense of humor. My collection has been the best-selling designer jewelry collection at Bergdorf Goodman for years.
NJ: What was your concept for the anniversary collection?
RK: It’s a celebration of my trendsetting jewels and charms. The collection is comprised of 16 icons that are new interpretations of my most loved designs and bestsellers from the past 15 years. There is a statement necklace and bracelet and 12 charms that are available on necklaces or beaded bracelets.
NJ: What are you most proud of having accomplished with Sydney Evan over the last decade and a half?
RK: I’m so proud of my relationships with my retailers and customers, but the No. 1 thing that makes me so proud is that all my customers say the same thing about my jewelry: It makes them happy. What can be better than that?
NJ: If you could do something over business-wise, what would it be?
RK: I probably would have started copyrighting and trademarking my jewelry in the beginning years.
NJ: How do you see Sydney Evan evolving?
RK: We just keep opening up more amazing doors all over the world! And our categories have expanded; we have a new children’s collection called “little loves” at Bergdorf Goodman that is doing amazing. We will be launching the collection in more stores come February.
NJ: What have been some of the keys to building brand longevity?
RK: All Sydney Evan jewelry is timeless. I like to design pieces that are classic, with a little twist and sense of humor. My collection has been the best-selling designer jewelry collection at Bergdorf Goodman for years.
NJ: What was your concept for the anniversary collection?
RK: It’s a celebration of my trendsetting jewels and charms. The collection is comprised of 16 icons that are new interpretations of my most loved designs and bestsellers from the past 15 years. There is a statement necklace and bracelet and 12 charms that are available on necklaces or beaded bracelets.
NJ: What are you most proud of having accomplished with Sydney Evan over the last decade and a half?
RK: I’m so proud of my relationships with my retailers and customers, but the No. 1 thing that makes me so proud is that all my customers say the same thing about my jewelry: It makes them happy. What can be better than that?
NJ: If you could do something over business-wise, what would it be?
RK: I probably would have started copyrighting and trademarking my jewelry in the beginning years.
NJ: How do you see Sydney Evan evolving?
RK: We just keep opening up more amazing doors all over the world! And our categories have expanded; we have a new children’s collection called “little loves” at Bergdorf Goodman that is doing amazing. We will be launching the collection in more stores come February.
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
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.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
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.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
