WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
TrendsSep 13, 2018
Yael Sonia Collaborates with Amazonian Artisans
The Brazilian designer created a capsule collection to benefit Casa do Rio Tupana, an organization that empowers women by teaching traditional skills.
This collar, designed by Yael Sonia and featuring weaving from Amazonian artisans, will be auctioned off Thursday to benefit Casa do Rio Tupana, an organization that empowers women by teaching traditional skills.
New York—Fine jewelry designers often get experimental when it comes to their materials, utilizing elements like wood, marble or even fossils, but Yael Sonia has thrown down the creative gauntlet with her latest project.
The Teçume collection mixes 18-karat gold, diamonds and gemstones with straw, weaved by female Amazonian artisans.
Sustainably harvested from ambé vines, the weavers were able to craft elements small enough to be incorporated into Sonia’s jewelry.
The designer explained: “I had researched a little bit about the different weaving techniques that these women work with (prior to meeting them). It was really great to work with them in person the first time, trying to recreate the different weaves in a much smaller scale to fit fine jewelry. They’re used to doing baskets and handbags, and it takes a very different skill to make these pieces small and delicate.”
The limited-edition six-piece collection will benefit the weavers with whom Sonia collaborated.
“We’re both working in traditions that are thousands of years old: weaving and jewelry.” – Yael SoniaProceeds go to Casa do Rio Tupana, the organization that trained the Amazonian artisans. Its mission is to empower women in the area, teaching them skills to make a living.
For sale now at Sonia’s New York showroom, a few pieces of the collection have already been snapped up by enthusiastic buyers.
Next month, what’s left of the collaboration will travel to Sonia’s São Paulo showroom, but not before the hero piece—an elaborate collar in 18-karat gold with amazonite, aquamarine, diamonds and ambé vine straw—is auctioned off at the Brazil Foundation gala, scheduled to take place Thursday in New York City.
The other pieces, which, in addition to amazonite, aquamarine and diamonds feature guava quartz and malachite, retail between $2,700 and $12,000.
“It was a wonderful dialogue,” Sonia remarked of working with her fellow craftspeople. “We’re both working in traditions that are thousands of years old: weaving and jewelry. The making of jewelry and artifacts goes back thousands of years. They’re both manual, as our fine jewelry is made by hand, so it was nice to see how those (elements) work together.”
Yael Sonia for Casa do Rio Tupana ring in 18-karat rose gold with guava quartz, diamonds and ambé vine straw.
Earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with malachite, diamonds and ambé vine straw
Yael Sonia created these earrings for Casa do Rio Tupana
Earrings in 18-karat rose gold with guava quartz, rose quartz, diamonds and ambé vine straw
More on Trends
The Latest
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
