CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
TrendsMay 06, 2019
In New Carnet Book, A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words
The tome on Hong Kong jeweler Carnet by Michelle Ong is coming out just following sale of the designer’s work at Christie’s.
This “Graceful Peony” brooch from Carnet by Michelle Ong was created in 2008. It features white diamonds, rubies, pink sapphires and garnets in 18-karat white gold and titanium. © 2018 Carnet Jewelry
New York—In the introduction to the new book “Carnet by Michelle Ong,” Vivienne Becker writes that the designer “prefers to let her jewels speak for themselves,” and “is unapologetically reluctant to talk about her work.”
Not an easy subject, then, for author and jewelry historian Becker to tackle.
But no matter. The tome is a visual feast, full of 263 illustrations—primarily large-scale photographs, as well as a few sketches—providing a best-of compilation of the Hong Kong-based designer’s more than 25 years of work.
Though not even a picture of Ong herself can be found in its pages, in “Carnet by Michelle Ong” the jewels do all the talking.
Divided into somewhat overlapping categories like “Nature” and “Flora,” each jewel nearly jumps off the page, whether one turns to an elaborate, graphic jadeite and diamond collar with emeralds, purple sapphires, and garnets in 18-karat white gold and titanium, or chances upon a massive reddish-brown diamond bracelet accented by brown and white diamonds in 18-karat white gold and titanium.
Tourmaline, white diamond, pink and blue sapphire and amethyst necklace in platinum and titanium, 2003
© 2018 Carnet Jewelry
“Opal Allure” earrings, 2012, featuring fire opal, fancy intense yellow, yellow and white diamonds, red spinels and orange sapphires in 18-karat yellow gold
© 2018 Carnet Jewelry
Emerald, white diamond, pink and purple sapphire, and garnet brooch in 18-karat white gold and titanium, 2015
© 2018 Carnet Jewelry
“Cleopatra” earrings, 2008, with emeralds and white diamonds in platinum and 18-karat white gold
© 2018 Carnet Jewelry
White diamond and platinum ring, 2004
© 2018 Carnet Jewelry
Each tonal masterpiece translates its original, natural inspiration into a technical feat of high jewelry.
According to Becker, Ong was a pioneer in mixing eastern and western influences in her designs. Her creations often incorporate jade or, occasionally, a dragon or fan motif. Even a ubiquitous jadeite bangle is transformed when intertwined in a net of colored gemstones, repurposing the item into a brooch.
With the designer’s recent exhibition of one-of-a-kind pieces at Christie’s New York’s Magnificent Jewels sale, “Carnet by Michelle Ong” is an essential jewelry read in 2019.
With a foreword from fellow one-of-a-kind high jeweler Joel Arthur Rosenthal—professionally known as JAR—the book is out from Thames & Hudson on June 11 and priced at $95.
More on Trends
The Latest
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
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.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
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.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
