TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
TrendsMar 30, 2017
Michelle Fantaci Is Launching a Bridal Collection
The designer is catering to the modern bride with her range of under-$5,000 engagement rings and wedding bands.
Unusual diamond center stones and 18-karat matte green gold are the hallmarks of Michelle Fantaci’s new bridal collection.
New York--After 10 years in business, Michelle Fantaci is making her bridal line official.
The New York-based designer has been creating custom engagement rings and wedding bands, and even selling pieces from her main line as bridal options, for years.
In April, she will offer a dedicated bridal collection for her customers.
“I was headed in that direction anyway and it made sense to put my focus there,” Fantaci explained.
With the exception of an occasional outlier, Fantaci is pricing her collection at under $5,000 retail, beginning at $920 and topping off at $4,900.
Fantaci said: “Part of the intention of the line is that most of what I’m offering is an approachable price. I wanted to make something beautiful and affordable.”
“I’m looking for diamonds that have character and aren’t necessarily going to be something that I can find again.”--Michelle FantaciOn the beauty front, Fantaci is employing rose- and step-cut diamonds as center stones, with rose-cuts having the added value of providing substantial surface area without pricey carat weight.
Michelle Fantaci’s “Berber” engagement ring featuring a 0.91-carat cognac color, cushion-cut Australian diamond with 0.18 carats of F-color VS1 white diamond baguettes set in 18-karat green gold ($4,790)
“Sensu” engagement ring with a Canadian 0.54-carat, J-color, SI2, fan-shape diamond with F, VS accent white diamonds in 18-karat green gold ($3,276)
“Nomad” engagement ring featuring a G-color, SI2, 0.86-carat rose-cut round Canadian diamond with cognac kite diamond accents set in 18-karat green gold ($4,870)
Fantaci is also offering certain styles from her main line in palladium as part of her new bridal collection. This “Onda” band with gray diamonds retails for $1,590.
Here, a stack of Fantaci’s bridal bands, which can be worn as wedding bands or even as non-traditional engagement rings. Pricing starts at $1,850.
“They reflect light really beautifully,” she said. “I don’t think they’re usually paired together but I like them mixed so you’ll see step-cuts paired with rose-cuts in the engagement rings and in the bands.”
Fantaci uses white and champagne color diamonds in her bridal line, explaining that she is, “looking for diamonds that have character and aren’t necessarily going to be something that I can find again; that there’s something about them that makes them irregular, it might be an unusual shape or the color or some inclusion in the the interior crystal structure that gives the stone character.”
The collection is being produced in 18-karat green gold, a shade that Fantaci feels acts as a neutral. She’s also creating some of her signature line’s designs in palladium to act as wedding bands.
All of the metals have a matte finish that keeps the designs, which are already romantic, from going overboard.
Modernity is key to Fantaci.
Fantaci said of her bridal customers, “I think couples are looking for something that speaks to them personally. They want their own thing. One-of-a-kind designs provide that and so do designs (that customers) know are not mass produced and come from my own point of view.
“Today, bridal is not necessarily viewed as bridal; it’s just jewelry with a point of view.”
Fantaci herself is the perfect example of this. Her husband bought her an
engagement ring when he first proposed to her. Ten years later, Fantaci designed her own double-sided rose-cut trillion anniversary ring.
Michelle Fantaci’s bridal collection will debut at Portland jewelry store Twist on April 6.
Michelle Fantaci’s bridal collection will debut at Portland jewelry store Twist on April 6.
More on Trends
The Latest
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
WatchesApr 10, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
IndependentsApr 10, 2024
Levy's Fine Jewelry Explores Diamond History The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
With Clarity Partners With NFL on Wedding Bands The limited-edition men’s rings can be customized with one of 12 team logos.
SourcingApr 10, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
WatchesApr 09, 2024
Chrono24 Debuts Pre-Owned Watch Authentication ProgramThe program, now live in Europe, will roll out to the U.S. this summer.
AuctionsApr 09, 2024
Phillips to Offer 6.21-Carat Vivid Pink DiamondColored gemstones and signed jewels are the focus of its upcoming Geneva sale.
SourcingApr 09, 2024
Former De Beers Exec Appointed to Lucapa Board Stuart Brown, who was De Beers’ CFO and interim CEO, is now Lucapa’s independent non-executive chairman.
MajorsApr 09, 2024
Jewel360 Announces New POS Integration, JFC PartnershipThe point-of-sale software can now prompt customers to round up their credit card purchases as a donation to Jewelers for Children.
SourcingApr 09, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
SourcingApr 08, 2024
Charles & Colvard Debuts B2B Portal for MoissaniteSelect independent jewelers and retailers can now purchase moissanite through Charles & Colvard Direct.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2024
AGS Announces First Recipient of ‘Women in Leadership’ ScholarshipAmber Rank of Exclusively Diamonds will receive mentorship, registration to AGS’s 2024 Conclave, and $500.
AuctionsApr 08, 2024
Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sale Is All About … WatchesThe auction will take place Thursday and is underground, literally.
