A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Piece of the Week: Aucoin Hart’s Sweet Butterfly Cufflinks
The workmanship is impeccable, the cufflinks are beautiful, and the story behind them is touching.
New Orleans—The master jeweler at Louisiana independent Aucoin Hart Jewelers took more than a year to make these cufflinks, and the story behind them is as beautiful as the resulting design.
Donna Marie Aucoin came up with the idea for a butterfly jewel after she and her husband, Tommy Aucoin Sr., spotted one in their garden on the one-year anniversary of their son’s death. Ryan Aucoin died on May 15, 2016 following a two-year battle with a rare type of lymphoma.
Donna Marie explains: “As my husband I were in a consoling embrace in our backyard garden both thinking so deeply about Ryan, this magnificent butterfly fluttered all around us, almost dancing in the air determined to get our attention then landing on a magnolia tree, its bright beautiful wings standing out against the dark-green leaves.
“The butterfly would stay through the night and well into the next day, staying with us and comforting us with so much peace and love from our Ryan.”
Following that afternoon, Donna Marie handed over a conceptual butterfly design to Auction Hart master jeweler David White.
White spent the next 18 months perfecting her vision and then hand-crafting the 18-karat white and yellow gold cufflinks. They are set with 1,076 individual gemstones: 3.09 carats of sapphires, 2.36 carats of diamonds and 1.37 carats of tsavorite garnets.
They won two awards, first place in Men’s Wear and Best Use Of Color, in the AGTA Spectrum Awards this year.
After White made the cufflinks, Donna Marie gave them as a gift to Tommy as a reminder that Ryan will always be watching over their family.
“Every day, we feel the ‘wings of love’ from Ryan surrounding our family and providing peace,” she said.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
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.
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.