The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
Getting to know gemstones
As the new associate editor at National Jeweler, I can’t imagine a better way to get acquainted with the fine jewelry industry than to head straight to an event, where I got to see great pieces up close and in person. On Monday, I went to see all the jewelry involved in the AGTA’s 2014 Spectrum Awards.
Not only did I learn a lot about gems from the industry veterans who were there, but walking around and getting to try on all the beautiful jewelry taught me a lot about my own preferences.
I’m such a fan of color in most aspects of fashion and beauty (chalk it up to a Southern upbringing), so everything at the Spectrum Awards was right up my alley.
But, more than that, I’m a huge fan of a simple colored stone. When visiting the bridal wear table, I found myself attracted to a cushion-cut Sapphire engagement ring.
While at the event, I tried on a number of rings with colored gems. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.
This is the “Mandarin Dream” ring from Joe Escobar Diamonds, an 18-karat rose gold and platinum ring featuring a 7.23-carat orange sapphire accented with white diamonds and orange sapphires.
This is another beautiful ring I loved from Ajit Roy. The 14-karat yellow gold ring features an oval green tourmaline accented with yellow diamond melee.
One of the things that also really struck me while I was there was the variety of colors when it came to opals. I was unfamiliar with anything more than a traditional white coloring, and immediately fell for a number of pieces using black opals.
This one shown below was one of my favorites. The Dena Kemp 18-karat white gold ring is accented with tsavorite garnets, blue sapphires and diamonds.
I’m also a fan of statement jewelry; give me a piece that’s oversized, bold or less traditional, and I’m in. And here, the Spectrum Awards definitely did not disappoint.
This was one of my favorite pieces overall. This Thomas Turner 18-karat yellow gold necklace featured rough chrysoprase slabs accented with Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds. It was just stunning in person.
And on the winner’s table, I found one that I thought was tops as well.
This double finger ring from Michael John Jewelry features a diamond polar bear jumping between two opal icebergs. How fun is that?
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.