TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2017
TheNextNow Crowns a New Winner
Emerging fine jewelry designer Eva Noga won the third edition of the competition that promotes new talent.
Pictured here are designs from Eva Noga, winner of the third edition of TheNextNow, on display at Brand Assembly in New York during the competition.
New York--Only a year after Dallas retailer Ylang 23 and fashion incubator TrendSeeder inaugurated TheNextNow, a design competition for emerging jewelry designers, they’ve selected the biannual event’s third winner.
Eva Noga clinched the top honors from a pool of 30 finalists selected to showcase their work to a group of judges in Manhattan last week.
The designer’s eponymous Queens, New York-based brand was only founded this year, with its first collection being finished a month ago.
“Eva had previously designed costume jewelry, so it’s especially impressive that her first fine collection is this beautiful, given how hard it is to transition from costume to fine,” said Ylang 23 Vice President, Business Development Alysa Teichman. “I’m excited that Ylang 23 will be the first retailer to launch the collection.”
Noga’s costume jewelry label, called Eva Hanusova, was sold in stores like Anthropologie and Free People. The designer’s new fine line is made in 14-karat gold and precious and semi-precious gemstones and is inspired by what she says is her greatest passion after jewelry--gardening.
“I really have a true passion for anything botanical, which has inspired my collection,” Noga explained. “(It’s) filled with diamond-accented beetles, spiders and otherworldly critters.”
Noga’s take on insects and flowers caught the attention of the judges who made up this edition’s panel. Joanne Teichman, founder of Ylang 23, and TrendSeeder’s Avani Patel were joined by Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buyer Kelly Doherty, Elle magazine Senior Accessories Editor Jennifer Gach, designers Sharon Khazzam and Wing Yau of Wwake and co-founder of fine jewelry sales and press agency For Future Reference, Meaghan Flynn Petropoulous.
“Eva Noga is a standout for both design and salability,” said Alysa Teichman, who organizes TheNextNow. “The bug series, which resonated most with the judges, is inspired by nature and features irregularly shaped stones in the juiciest, most vibrant colors.”
After judging the 30 finalists’ work and before announcing the winner of TheNextNow, Teichman moderated a panel with the competition judges, in which they discussed the challenges of the jewelry design market today and answered questions from the audience, which included designers who weren’t selected as finalists but wished to view the competition process.
Next Now Eva Noga, For Future Reference co-founder Meaghan Flynn Petropoulous, Bergdorf Goodman fine jewelry buyer Kelly Doherty, Ylang 23 founder Joanne Teichman and the company’s Vice President, Business Development, Alysa Teichman
Designers Khazzam and Yau then announced Noga as the winner. Her prize includes an online presentation, presence and promotion on Ylang 23’s website with possibility of a purchase order, a one-year mentorship with TrendSeeder, a presentation and meeting with the Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buying team, a showcase and presentation to retailers with For Future Reference at Paris Fashion Week and mentorship from some of the judges.
“It was such a treat for me to meet so many amazing women in this industry who all do what they love every day and really do create some of the most beautiful jewelry I’ve ever seen,” Noga said of the experience.
“I'm thrilled to be able to launch my collection with Ylang 23. They have been so supportive and helpful already, it’s like a dream come true to call them my first retail partner.”
For more information on TheNextNow, visit the competition’s website.
Designers Khazzam and Yau then announced Noga as the winner. Her prize includes an online presentation, presence and promotion on Ylang 23’s website with possibility of a purchase order, a one-year mentorship with TrendSeeder, a presentation and meeting with the Bergdorf Goodman jewelry buying team, a showcase and presentation to retailers with For Future Reference at Paris Fashion Week and mentorship from some of the judges.
“It was such a treat for me to meet so many amazing women in this industry who all do what they love every day and really do create some of the most beautiful jewelry I’ve ever seen,” Noga said of the experience.
“I'm thrilled to be able to launch my collection with Ylang 23. They have been so supportive and helpful already, it’s like a dream come true to call them my first retail partner.”
For more information on TheNextNow, visit the competition’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
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.
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 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.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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 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.
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
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
