Rapaport Jewelry Pro

Low-profile engagement rings with cluster, gypsy and bezel settings, among others, are common designs for contemporary jewelry artists. Unlike higher-profile cathedral settings that often have peg heads — prong mountings that connect to shanks in a V shape and elevate the center stone — low-set rings better distribute the weight of the piece so center stones don’t turn sideways. Low settings also have a more practical, understated modern vibe that’s ideal for busy wearers or those who feel uncomfortable with attention-grabbing jewels. Read Jennifer Heebner's story on low-stone setting at https://lnkd.in/d8J5N42j Featured: Brent Neale, Single Stone, Sig Ward Jewelry, Jade Trau #bridaljewelry #jewelrytrend #stonesetting

One of nature’s rarest gemstones is alexandrite, a captivating stone that changes color from bluish-green in daylight to plum-red under candlelight and incandescent light. This chameleon-esque effect is related to the gem’s pleochroism — meaning it shows different hues when viewed from different angles — and its unusual light-absorbing properties. Minerals are often named after their discoverers or for gemologists who have made major contributions to the field. But this chromium-bearing variety of chrysoberyl was named for 16-year-old Tsarevich Alexander, the heir to the Russian imperial throne in the 1800s. Read Cynthia Unninayar's full report on alexandrite at https://lnkd.in/eGM-RX_p Featured: CICADA JEWELRY DESIGN ring centering a 10.76-carat alexandrite. #coloredgemtones #gemology #gemstones

The snake can have many personalities. The rock ’n’ roll crowd has paraded it as a symbol of defiance and an indicator of street smarts. Britain’s Queen Victoria accepted an engagement ring from Prince Albert in the shape of a serpent with an emerald on its head, sparking a boom in the popularity of snake jewelry in Victorian England. Read Rachael Taylor's full trend report on snake jewelry at https://lnkd.in/dZmmmXqK Featured: Effy Jewelry, TERZIHAN, WENDY YUE, Lydia Courteille #jewelry #jewelrytrends #jewelrydesign

Did you know why Georgian jewelers were economical with gold? The large gold discoveries of the 19th century’s second half had not yet occurred, notes Suzanne Martinez, co-owner of LANG ANTIQUES INC. in San Francisco, California. Iron and cut-steel jewelry with incredible detail was “at its apex during the Georgian era,” she says. “In an attempt to create gold from base metal, [18th-century clockmaker] Christopher Pinchbeck created a wonderful alloy of copper and zinc, and in a rather magical way, it became desirable in its own right. These metals, along with gold and silver, were all utilized [in] Georgian jewelry.” Read more about Georgian jewelry at https://lnkd.in/dFJ9p3s2 Image: Lang Antiques #antiquejewelry #jewelryhistory #education

Jewelry care and storage brand Trove has opened its first US flagship store in New York City’s West Village at 301 West 4th Street. The new boutique is a landmark for those seeking exquisite, handcrafted storage for their most treasured keepsakes and jewelry. In an exciting debut, Trove is also welcoming Brazilian high jeweler Fernando Jorge as its inaugural Designer in Residence, whose work will be featured in the store’s curated displays. Driven by a nostalgic appreciation for the beauty of cherished memories, Trove creates sophisticated storage solutions inspired by vintage jewelry boxes and antique craftsmanship designed by Melbourne-based founder Hannah Ward. Jen Rubio, CEO of Away, joins Trove as a strategic business partner to oversee the brand’s US expansion. Spanning 1,000 square feet at the iconic intersection of West 4th & Bank in New York’s West Village, the Trove store was conceptualized by interior designer Tali Roth. The space features a striking high-gloss ceiling in custom colors and bespoke wood display furniture. #jewelrystore #interiordesign #retail

A Scottish talent to watch: Ellis Mhairi Cameron is growing her presence stateside. The jeweler regularly displays her one-of-a-kind pieces, mixed-cut settings, and distinctive use of diamond colors at Melee the Show in New York. She has amassed an impressive roster of retailers across the country who stock her jewelry, including New York’s Sedoni Gallery, Esqueleto in both New York and Los Angeles, and Mora in North Carolina. Twist also carries her creations both online and at its boutique in Portland, Oregon, and will soon add them to its Seattle branch. Most recently, Cameron has been a recipient of bursaries and scholarships to enhance her engraving skills. The results are evident in her latest works, such as the Etch, Fluid and Loch rings, all crafted in Scottish gold. Read Elisa Anniss' full story Jewelry Houses Celebrate Scotland at https://lnkd.in/eeNqPm3c #jewelrymaking #jewelrydesigner #jewelryinspiration

Natural diamonds have taken a big hit in the past few years. From the highs and lows of Covid-19 spending on luxury, to economic uncertainty and an oversupply in the midstream that has led to a persistently weak market, prices and demand have dropped. And that’s before you consider the effect of the younger demographic’s growing interest in lab-grown. With significant obstacles to overcome, those in the trade have been looking for a solution to reengage Millennials, Gen Z and up-and-coming Gen Alpha consumers with the wonder, rarity and magic of a natural diamond. Enter De Beers Group and Signet Jewelers. The miner and the US retailer, which owns banners such as Kay, Jared, Zales and James Allen, have teamed up to launch a new marketing campaign called “Worth the Wait,” intended to capture consumer attention and reignite desire for natural diamonds. Yet does the campaign live up to its hype? We asked our readers for their opinions, and boy did they weigh in. Read Leah Meirovich's report at https://lnkd.in/dGAxUzfv And let us know what you think in comments. #marketing #naturaldiamonds #diamondjewelry Image: Still from the Worth the Wait campaign. (De Beers/Arnold Worldwide)

“A passion project” is how Parisian Marie Lichtenberg describes her first jewelry designs, launched in 2019. The collection is filled with exuberance, wit, charm and the designer’s ability to draw upon and interpret motifs and meanings from a range of different cultures and time periods. The vibrant colors of India, 1970s pop art, and antique and vintage jewelry meld into a joyful collection that has captured the attention of global retailers and consumers alike. Lichtenberg began working with her most cherished sayings, color combinations and familiar icons. Read more about the former Elle fashion editor who mixes optimism and exuberance to create significant contemporary design in Beth Bernstein's profile at https://lnkd.in/dF3P8R5A #jewelrydesigner #jewelrydesign #jewelryinspiration

How are jewelry retailers engaging with bridal customers? Transformable jewels are the way forward for big-ticket items. These give buyers more bang for their buck— and CD Peacock Jewelers in Chicago has been quick to spot this trend picking up steam in the jewelry market, especially bridal. Its own bridal collection features stackable pieces and customization options. “Our in-house design team can create any ring imaginable,” says Kristin Milne Abraham, G.G., ISA, the retailer’s business manager for bridal, estate buys and appraisals. “Clients have sketched their own designs, drawn inspiration from existing ones, and even repurposed diamonds from heirloom jewelry to create truly one-of-a-kind engagement rings.” Vice chairman Steven Holtzman has created an exceptional space with the new CD Peacock Mansion. Besides a curated jewelry selection, the location includes a bar, a lounge and a bridal salon. Leveraging technology and offering a diverse range of fine- and high-jewelry brands, the location aims to deliver a standout experience and excellent service. Read Smitha Sadanandan's full story at https://lnkd.in/eyMnw2Zm #jewelryretail #jewelrytrends #bridal

Tabayer has announced its recent ambassadorship with Fairmined, a globally recognized initiative promoting ethical gold sourcing through artisanal and small-scale mining. ⁠ ⁠ Since September, all Tabayer pieces will exclusively use Fairmined-certified gold, ensuring that the jewelry is not only a symbol of craftsmanship but also a commitment to minimizing ecological harm and uplifting mining communities. ⁠ ⁠ The ambassadorship follows a pivotal visit by founder Nigora Tokhtabayeva and her team to the Chede mine in Colombia. To commemorate this journey, Tabayer has released a short film, “Fair Gold”, directed by Errol Rainey, exploring the time in Colombia and the impact Fairmined gold has on both the environment and local communities.⁠ Read our interview with Nigora Tokhtabayeva at https://lnkd.in/d498_y63 ⁠  #ethicalsourcing #fairminedgold #goldjewelry