De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
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.
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.
“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
Michelle Fantaci’s bridal collection will debut at Portland jewelry store Twist on April 6.
The Latest
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.