Britt’s Pick 2016: My Favorite Jewels This Year

51 jewels that made my wish list

Another year has magically evaporated—again—but with no shortage of new discoveries and fodder for a growing jewelry wish list. Most of these feel like they were written just yesterday, though the Britt’s Picks you see before you stretch back to January 5 of this year. It’s interesting, as I reread these, to glean little details: what was going on in the world (or life in general) during the time of the post; what trends were top-of-mind for yours truly (and possibly for quite a few of you); how I still feel spellbound by the images jumping off the page. I truly love and look forward to this weekly feature, and I hope that, after six years (and counting!), you still love it, too. Here are the jewels that made Britt’s Pick sparkle in 2016.

Jan. 5: Omi Privé’s Aquamarine Serenity Ring

Sevilla collection ring in 18k white gold with 2.26 ct. aquamarine, 0.12 ct. t.w. sapphires, and 0.48 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Omi Privé in collaboration with Rémy Rotenier

“We aren’t hurting for aquamarine/sapphire combinations because the complementing gemstones look so darn good together. But it’s the design of this ring that makes it so sensationally different from all the rest. Serenity, you have met your match.”

Jan. 12: Daviani’s Climbing Diamond Ring

Vine ring in 18k rose gold with 4.07 cts. t.w. diamonds, $18,000; Daviani

“I’m partial to the trail of marquise diamonds that dance within the confines of the rose gold curves, outlined in round diamond accents all along the corkscrew-like curl that makes up the entire shape of the piece.”

Jan. 19: Jane Taylor’s Phenomenal Fireworks Ring

Fireworks ring in 18k yellow gold with purple tourmaline, salmon-pink tourmaline, and blue topaz, $14,300; Jane Taylor Jewelry

“If the faces behind the brand are like sunshine (which, they are), they serve to illuminate the jewelry they create, making each piece that much more colorful. Case in point: this power-packed ring.”

Jan. 26: Nina Nguyen’s Harmony Necklace

Harmony necklace in vermeil with shaded ruby beads, $395; Nina Nguyen

“The line is 32 inches long, but adjustable, so it can be wrapped any which way the wearer likes. Which is just perfect, because it can adjust in length just as seamlessly as it can suit different styles, from the necessary turtlenecks of right now to the flowing, strapless dresses that I wish I was wearing right now. So if you need me, I’ll be in my room, doing the hula with the heat cranked high, thinking about this necklace and all the ways (and tropical places) to wear it.”

Feb. 1: Ayesha’s Intricate Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings in 18k yellow gold with 1.74 cts. t.w. diamonds, $5,800; Ayesha

“Artsy, but not over-the-top, this pair of handcrafted marvels hit the sweet spot between hoop and threader, with a dangling effect, too. Modern but with vintage flair, it’s the textured metal and briolette diamond drops that have me thinking I’d have encountered this pair nestled deep in a Paris antique shop.”

Feb. 8: Omi Privé’s Spinel and Alexandrite Ring

Handcrafted ring in 18k rose gold with 3.58 ct. cushion spinel, 0.43 ct. t.w. round alexandrite, and 0.13 ct. t.w. brilliant diamonds, price on request; Omi Privé

“Its satiny rose gold shows a softer side, contrasting with the dark color duo with sleek, split-shank sides. I could go on but, let’s let the ring do the talking.”

Feb. 16: Andreoli’s Colorful Dream Necklace

Multicolor necklace in 18k white gold with 171 cts. t.w. sapphires and 13.09 cts. t.w. diamonds, $310,000; Andreoli

“This is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime piece that would make waves on the red carpet, adorning the all-too-often bare necks of celebrities, whose strapless dresses often appear incomplete and lonely.… Hurry up, Cate Blanchett!”

Feb. 25: Aaron Henry’s Shades of Green Earrings

Burst earrings in 18k yellow gold with 6.96 cts. t.w. green tourmaline and 4.4 cts. t.w. sapphire, $16,130; Aaron Henry

“Aaron Henry has taken a fairly straightforward design—the oversized halo made to look almost floral—and turned it into something truly spectacular, with a brilliant assortment of green sapphires rotating around a rich green tourmaline center.”

March 1: Dorian & Rose’s Dangling Earrings

Dangling earrings in 14k rose gold with cognac diamonds, price on request; Dorian & Rose

“The recent Academy Awards could be used to make the argument that big jewelry in general is at peak popularity (it is), but my bias has me focused on all of the beautiful earware we spotted through our televisions Sunday night. From the memorably mismatched to the super-long, diamond-dusted and gleaming color, there was enough material to keep a magpie happy for one evening.”

March 8: Mastoloni’s Dana Tahitian Pearl Necklace

 

Dana 42-inch necklace in 18k white gold with 9 mm–11 mm multicolor Tahitian pearls, 65.39 cts. t.w. black diamonds, and brilliant white diamonds, $14,300; Mastoloni

“It seems silly, but it’s the little pavé detail that caught me in the end. Not destined to being relegated to the back, the diamond-dotted fastener can be worn in front, with the strand trailing down one’s back. It begs for one’s hair to be worn up so onlookers can appreciate the full picture. Yes, the Dana necklace checks the trends box for certain, but its delicate and delightful elements ensure that this will be a classic.”

March 15: Parade’s Pretty-in-Pink Ring

Vintage-style ring in 18k rose gold with 1.15 cts. t.w. pink sapphires, 0.6 ct. t.w. rose-cut diamonds, and 0.55 ct. t.w. diamonds, $7,475; Parade Design

“When I worked in retail, it was rare that we saw a ton of movement on pink gemstone jewelry. Why? Well, for one, it was before pink was deemed cool by the fashion industry. But it also could have been that the designs just weren’t compelling or bold enough. I think that’s changed. Chalk it up to the runways, to Pantone, or simply to the fact that my world has gotten a whole lot bigger when it comes to jewelry, but I just can’t imagine shoppers passing on pieces like this one.”

March 22: Yael Designs’ Sensational Sentience Bracelet

Vintage-style ring in 18k rose gold with 1.15 cts. t.w. pink sapphires, 0.6 ct. t.w. rose-cut diamonds, and 0.55 ct. t.w. diamonds, $7,475; Parade Design

“When I worked in retail, it was rare that we saw a ton of movement on pink gemstone jewelry. Why? Well, for one, it was before pink was deemed cool by the fashion industry. But it also could have been that the designs just weren’t compelling or bold enough. I think that’s changed. Chalk it up to the runways, to Pantone, or simply to the fact that my world has gotten a whole lot bigger when it comes to jewelry, but I just can’t imagine shoppers passing on pieces like this one.”

March 22: Yael Designs’ Sensational Sentience Bracelet

Shooting Stars necklace in 14k rose gold with 0.18 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,785; Martha Seely

“The lacy open lines curve and swirl in a galaxy of rose gold, nestled with glimmering diamonds that alternate in size and are both prong- and bezel-set. The design’s swooping silhouette makes it perfect for layering—I’d put this at the very top of a tier—but its eye-catching design, complete with textured metal detail, makes it ideal for solo wear.”

April 5: Évocateur’s New Map Charms

Handmade World Traveler collection charms in 22k gold leaf with enamel, $108 each (bracelet sold for $138); Évocateur

“If there’s a way for me to make the growing list of locales I have visited into something tangible, sign me up. Cue one of my favorite—and reliably excellent—fashion jewelry brands and its dreamy collection of charms. The new release from Évocateur is especially perfect for those struck with wanderlust and who have no trouble with the occasional (or daily) act of self-gifting. But these make for rad gifts, too.”

April 12: Sutra’s Awe-Inspiring Opal and Sapphire Bracelet

Couture collection bracelet in 18k black gold with 35 cts. t.w. Australian opal doublets, 37 cts. t.w. sapphires, and 3 cts. t.w. diamonds, $35,000; Sutra

“It’s a Britt’s Pick and then some, with my favorite gemstones, opal and sapphire, rose-cut stones, black gold, and a sheer presence that even the most discerning eye can’t deny.”

April 19: Arya Esha’s One-of-a-Kind Emerald Earrings

One-of-a-kind earrings in recycled 18k yellow and black gold with 17.4 cts. t.w. emerald and 0.75 ct. t.w. champagne diamonds, $4,050; Arya Esha

“Designer Priyanka Murthy’s ability to create such exquisite jewelry is amplified by her priority that materials used are recycled and ethically sourced. This pair, in recycled gold and with more than 17 cts. of emeralds, is positively divine. Its linear design reads like some sort of spine, with silky, chevron bends that resemble the bones. The alternating gold-and-black curves lead to rich green emeralds, the treasure at the end of the trail, and champagne diamonds provide just the right amount of romantic glitter.”

April 26: Blackbird and the Snow’s Celestial Star Earrings

 

 

Celestial Star earrings in 14k rose gold with blue moonstone and diamonds, $5,735; Blackbird and the Snow

“It seems a no-brainer that, if you’re going to create jewelry that’s celestial, the gemstone of choice should be moonstone. Moonstone not only sounds the part, but it looks the part, too.… Dripping in vintage flair, the rose-gold drops feature ornate star and crescent moon icons, creating the shape for the cool blue moonstones that glow from their settings.”
May 3: Carl F. Bucherer’s Pathos Swan Watch

 

Pathos Swan limited-edition watch in 18k white and rose gold with 922 fancy sapphires and diamonds, $182,000; Carl F. Bucherer

“I feel a bit strange writing about a watch; I just don’t have that much knowledge as far as timepieces are concerned. But an appreciation for beauty and devastatingly careful craftsmanship—especially when it’s so apparent—is a weakness. So while I can tell you that Carl F. Bucherer’s Pathos Swan timepiece features a mother-of-pearl dial, domed sapphire crystal, and a water-resistance of 3 atm, I’m only casually aware of what it all means. But when I tell you that the 18k white and rose gold masterpiece is adorned with 922 glittering diamonds and sapphires—decorating the case, the dial, and the strap—know that I am positively feeling that.”

May 10: Sydney Lynch’s Spring Garden Necklace

Spring Garden necklace in 18k and 22k gold and oxidized silver with boulder opal, rose-cut emerald and tanzanite, tourmaline, aquamarine, and a blue topaz briolette, $4,400; Sydney Lynch

“Lynch is an artist, and she’s able to throw certain elements together and make them work like a gifted chef let loose in the kitchen: whatever ingredients go into the mix coming out tasting like one of the best things you’ve ever eaten. This necklace is the prime example.”

May 17: Ayva’s Riya Collar Necklace

Riya necklace in 18k yellow gold with 4.16 cts. t.w. white sapphires, 2.28 cts. t.w. tourmalines, and 0.1 ct. t.w. diamonds, $8,200; Ayva Jewelry

“My favorite from the sneak peek I was treated to…is this one: the reverse-style collar necklace dubbed Riya, with its angular layout of crisp white sapphires and juicy tourmalines. I particularly love its asymmetrical setup, with one side more heavenly adorned than the other. It takes the piece from pure luxury to playfully casual, a quality that makes it prime for daily wear—and who wouldn’t want to wear this daily? I’ll definitely be adding a stop at Ayva’s booth to my itinerary at JCK Las Vegas.”

May 24: Dallas Prince’s Twilight Tanzanite Ring

Twilight ring in 18k rose gold with 14.72 ct. unheated tanzanite and 0.9 ct. t.w. diamonds, $27,595; Dallas Prince Designs

“This is one of those pieces that doesn’t just rely on its starring gemstone to impress: It sets the stage for it and provides a supporting cast to ensure that the presentation is a success. I do think that it deserves a standing ovation—join me, won’t you?”

May 31: Hozoni’s Black Diamond Drop Earrings

Earrings in 14k yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver with 0.86 ct. t.w. black diamonds and 0.18 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,780; Hozoni Designs

“Their lines—in yellow gold and oxidized silver—dance together in such a fluid and spirited way, causing music to play in my head. The music is worthy of a ballet, with graceful movement and beautiful costumes. Throw in a dash of drama (thanks to the bezel-set black diamonds tucked into the lower portion of the pair), and this is one memorable performance—and it all happens right on someone’s ears.”

June 7: VTse’s Moonstone Snake Earrings

Snake earrings in 18k blackened white gold with moonstones, sapphires, and diamonds, $19,000; VTse

“I’d seen so many beautiful things on the show floor at JCK [Las Vegas 2016]—ones that made my jaw drop, others that were added to my mental shopping list of things I could actually, maybe afford to own—but these, above all, were my favorite. Since I’m persuaded by a great snake motif and fall head-over-heels for moonstone every damn time, these were the ultimate find. Designer Victoria Tse had an impressive number of gemstone pieces on display in her Elite Enclave showcases, many of which would make anyone swoon with admiration (or, ideally, place orders), but if these were snakes (and they were), they would have jumped out and bit me (and, they did).”

June 14: Bayco’s Ceylon Sapphire Ring

Emerald-cut ring in 18k black gold with a 14 ct. Ceylon sapphire, $200,000; Bayco

“Fourteen carats of deep, velvety blue, posing in the most dramatically perfect setting that results in what I can refer to only as gothic chic. Bayco’s blackened gold ring is punctuated with pointed, spear-like prongs adorned in smaller round sapphires, gripping all four sides of the emerald-cut center stone. Underneath, round diamonds glitter in a contrasting, sparkling show.”

June 21: Martha Seely’s Nebula Collection Galaxy Earrings

Nebula earrings shown in sterling silver with 1.5 cts. t.w. CZ, $2,165; Martha Seely (also available in white or yellow gold with diamonds or sapphires);

“I’m a fan of Seely’s work in general, but this was the first piece from her that took on a bigger statement look (an ‘evening’ look, as she calls it). And it’s true, they’re dressier, but I would never dream of saving these just for the evenings. I caught a glimpse of the all-diamond version preshow, but at JCK [Las Vegas 2016], I had the privilege of trying on the pair mixed with sapphires. And it was then that I wished I could do this with each and every piece I write about…. Because I knew these would be great, but how great was another story. The look and feel of these in my ears—their movement, pop of color, silky, brushed metal—was so good. And the way they made me feel: actually pretty, when I had run out of cover-up and walked the show floor mostly barefaced (oops). It didn’t even matter, these had done their job, even if just for a moment. Because jewelry has that kind of power.”

June 28: Nina Nguyen’s Medley Earrings

Medley earrings in 14k white gold with white Australian opal and Mexican turquoise with pyrite, $2,798; Nina Nguyen

“The designer’s fab pair of earrings puts medley in a whole new light: where once my mind thought one could be composed only of soggy spinach and underseasoned broccoli, this medley is represented by a jovial combination of glowing opal, rich turquoise, and shimmering pyrite.… This is the pair to wear all summer long (turquoise really is the stone of summer, isn’t it?) and then keep on wearing right through winter, as the flexible look settles right into the season’s snow.”

July 6: Andreoli’s Titanium Cuff Bracelet

Cuff bracelet in titanium and 18k yellow gold with 5.84 ct. Burmese ruby, 12.41 cts. t.w. pink and yellow sapphires, and 3.86 cts. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Andreoli

“Amazing on top of amazing on top of amazing.… That center 5.84 ct. Burmese ruby surrounded in diamonds: one hell of a ring. The ribbon-like layers of pink and yellow sapphires, stacked in a sweetly sparkling pile: a stand-out brooch. Those diamond waves, flowing along the leaflike titanium tiles? Ear climbers. And, of course, there’s the titanium setting itself, which on its own makes a fabulous statement, with its glossy texturing and raised shapes. Each element combines with the next, elevating this piece to a status that can only be described as major.”

July 12: Ayva Jewelry’s Alisa Ring

Cuff bracelet in titanium and 18k yellow gold with 5.84 ct. Burmese ruby, 12.41 cts. t.w. pink and yellow sapphires, and 3.86 cts. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Andreoli

“Amazing on top of amazing on top of amazing.… That center 5.84 ct. Burmese ruby surrounded in diamonds: one hell of a ring. The ribbon-like layers of pink and yellow sapphires, stacked in a sweetly sparkling pile: a stand-out brooch. Those diamond waves, flowing along the leaflike titanium tiles? Ear climbers. And, of course, there’s the titanium setting itself, which on its own makes a fabulous statement, with its glossy texturing and raised shapes. Each element combines with the next, elevating this piece to a status that can only be described as major.”

July 12: Ayva Jewelry’s Alisa Ring

ngagement ring in 18k white gold with 1.11 ct. pear-shape rose-cut diamond and 0.46 ct. t.w. brilliant diamond accents, $11,125; Coast Diamond

“I suppose I don’t often look to engagement rings for Britt’s Picks each week, because, well, I already have one. Not that I could realistically own the six-figure jewels I write about, either, but the thought of collecting each and every one of them seems more likely than harboring a collection of engagement rings.… Though, this ring from Coast Diamond has me maybe, possibly considering—or at least daydreaming about—having just one more.”

July 26: Doryn Wallach’s Rock Crystal Cocktail Ring

Cocktail ring in 18k satin yellow gold with a sugar loaf–cut rock crystal, 0.61 ct. t.w. black diamonds, and 0.22 ct. t.w. emeralds, $5,830; Doryn Wallach

“If Doryn Wallach’s ring were to attend a cocktail party, it’d be the best-dressed presence there. It would flit from here to there, dazzling and lithe, catching the eye of all it passes with its dramatically lined, sparkling edges. It’d break hearts with its green eyes, er, emerald baguette accents. And it’d make an unforgettable impression with its centerpiece: a sugar loaf–cut rock crystal, smooth and airy and cool.”

Aug. 2: Wendy Brandes’ New Anarchy Earrings

Razor blade stud earring in platinum with 0.05 ct. t.w. diamonds; Anarchy symbol earring in platinum with 0.04 ct. t.w. diamonds; Safety pin earring in 18k white gold and platinum with 0.12 ct. t.w. diamonds; $2,250 for the set. Also in yellow gold (pictured, at top), contact for pricing; Wendy Brandes

“If anyone, like me, feels just a little bit cooler by wearing a bunch of earrings at once, these little studs will take that attitude to the next level.… Mix and match, wear them on their own—be ironic and pair them with rainbows and ponies—it’s all up to the customer. But whatever anarchy means to an individual—staying out past curfew, quitting a job, um, Brexit—I know Brandes would be proud to inspire anyone to get in touch with her inner punk.”

Aug. 9: Jane Taylor’s Happy Cuff Bracelet

One-of-a-kind Happy cuff bracelet in ruthenium-plated sterling silver with 3.67 cts. t.w. green tourmalines, 1 ct. t.w. purple sapphires, 1.28 cts. t.w. aquamarines, 1.21 cts. t.w. iolites, 0.81 ct. t.w. yellow garnets, 0.51 ct. t.w. amethysts, and 0.45 ct. t.w. pink sapphires, $14,620; Jane Taylor Jewelry

“This bracelet, aptly dubbed Happy, not only wears its name well, it also reminds me of one of the very first JT pieces I encountered. Called the Warrior cuff, this piece was on the September 2012 cover of JCK magazine (and also a Britt’s Pick during that same time), in all its blackened sterling glory, with rubies and diamonds and a very warrior-like geometric pattern.”

Aug. 16: Amy Glaswand’s Ceres Stretto Earrings

Ceres Stretto earrings in 18k gold with 6 mm labradorite cabochons, $2,150; Amy Glaswand

“From a collection named for the Roman goddess of fertility and growth, this pair of Ceres earrings has the ability to make its wearer feel undeniably feminine—and powerful, too. The architectural lines give it edge, but the design is also delicate: like a sturdy lattice that is the foundation of rows of flowers, or—as one of the designer’s inspirations for this collection—a striking pattern seen on today’s modern bridges. The labradorite gemstones were a divine choice, too: Paired with the satiny yellow gold, I find the gray-blue combination to be positively irresistible.”

Aug. 23: Ayva’s Kalei Cigar Bands

 

Kalei band in yellow gold with 3 cts. t.w. white sapphires, 0.45 ct. t.w. tsavorites, and 0.5 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,200; Ayva Jewelry

“I love the layout of the stones, the way they appear to be elegantly tossed together, how each trio of diamonds sits at a slightly different angle from the next. A wide band is the jewelry equivalent to the little black dress: easy to slip on and not requiring much else to make it stand out. It’s effortless, versatile, and always, always, the way to go.”

Aug. 30: Lauren K’s Boulder Opal Kiss Necklace

Kiss necklace in 18k yellow gold with 32.09 cts. t.w. boulder opals and 0.64 ct. t.w. diamonds, $8,580; Lauren K

“I love not only the luminescent colors that radiate from the stones featured in this piece, but also that its setting caters to their narrowing shapes, just slightly crooked enough to be perfectly imperfect. I love that I think I can see mountains, sea, and sky within the opals, and the way their cool tones contrast with the warm, textured gold of the chain from which they are suspended. Another one out of the park from Lauren K—I can’t imagine knowing anyone who wouldn’t want to kiss it.”

Sept. 6: Longines’ Limited Edition Triple Crown Watch

Triple Crown Conquest Classic 42 mm watch in stainless steel and leather alligator strap, $4,200; Longines

“The Longines name is synonymous with horse racing—it’s prominently displayed at the finish line of Saratoga Race Course—so it makes perfect sense that this limited-edition watch should be presented in that same name. Created to commemorate the 2015 Triple Crown series, the piece’s brown alligator leather strap and dial is intended to reflect the coat of American Pharoah, the 12th horse to win the Triple Crown, and the first to win the Grand Slam, the Triple Crown plus the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The jockey on his mount sold the scene for me, but there are subtle details to honor the Triple Crown, too.”

Sept. 13: Marcel Roelofs’ Turquoise Vario Clasp

Vario clasp in stainless steel, 18k gold, and platinum, with turquoise and diamonds on an 18k gold-plated stainless mesh necklace, price on request; Marcel Roelofs

“Turquoise is all but synonymous with summer (at least, that’s what I think), so it may seem odd to select this piece to feature given the time of year. But this iteration of Marcel Roelofs’ Vario clasp has autumn written all over it, and it’s the perfect transitional design as we float into fall, combating the rollercoaster temperatures and struggling with how to dress to stay cool, warm, and cool again. This look, instead of evoking the cool blues of the tropics, appears warm: Though the clasp is mostly set in stainless steel, it’s artfully brushed with 18k yellow gold, complementing the natural striations of the turquoise.”

Sept. 20: Sasha Primak’s Diamond Snowflake Bracelet

Snowflake mesh bracelet in 18k gold with 22.3 cts. t.w. black and white diamonds, price on request; Sasha Primak

“Its glitzy glamor lures you in, all black and white diamonds, sparkling as they twist and turn (and very easily, thanks to the bracelet’s mesh-like construction), and just like that, you’re lulled into the holidays before you even notice that it is, in fact, a snowflake pattern. The luxurious piece is holiday jewelry at its best, but the contrasting pattern and elegant aesthetic ensure that it’s no one-season wonder.”

Sept. 27: Shay’s Essential Jumbo Link Bracelet

Shay Essential jumbo link bracelet in 18k rose gold with 11 cts. t.w. diamonds, $33,600; Shay Jewelry

“There are statement pieces, and then there are everyday statement pieces. The first iteration is a jewel (or jewels!) that takes your breath away, often seen dangling from the ears of celebrities on red carpets.… But the problem with making such a memorable statement is that it needn’t be made more than once (at least on the red carpet—if I owned those earrings, I’d wear them all day, everyday). Cue the everyday statement piece, one in which it doesn’t matter how many times you show it off, because it’s versatile enough to wear with anything, at any time, in any place. Shay Jewelry’s jumbo link bracelet is one of those pieces. A luxe look for sure, but one that’s been dubbed an essential by the Los Angeles–based fine jeweler, and for good reason.”

Oct. 4: Spark’s Celestial Opal Pendant

Crescent moon and star pendant in 18k white and yellow gold with 5.61 ct. opal and 0.65 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Spark

“One of my favorite details is the yellow gold that lines the inner curve of the moon, echoing the bezel that encircles the pendant’s main stone. Doesn’t it just scream autumn? It signifies to me that this is precisely where we’re meant to be, in the greatest season of all, and with a wealth of excitement on the horizon.”

Oct. 11: Tanya Farah’s Geode Earrings

Andrew’s Passion Flower collection drop earrings with organic geodes and 1.8 cts. t.w. diamonds, $4,752; Tanya Farah

“It never fails. Each autumn, I get caught up in fall fashion fever. I have a mental list of things I need to get to thoroughly take advantage of the season, and most always, it consists of something velvet, something gold, something brown, something cream. It’s a sort of soft, rustic style that implies cozy sophistication.… So there’s a reason I gravitate toward Tanya Farah’s earrings: They are all of those things on my list, rolled into one.”

Oct. 18: Yael Designs’ Emerald-Cut Aquamarine Ring

Three-stone ring in 18k black gold with 3.67 ct. aquamarine center, 2.28 cts. t.w. aquamarine side stones, and 0.5 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,500; Yael Designs

“Yael Designs has surrounded three positively dreamy aquamarines with a blackened border that traces their shapes, yielding a silhouette that’s more edgy than soft—just right, in my opinion. The ring offers a big but not overpowering look—thanks to that beloved low profile—and its aesthetic is almost Art Deco, which makes it wonderfully appropriate for the holiday season (there’s something about Deco that makes it just perfect for Christmastime cocktail parties).”

Oct. 25: Bavna’s Finley Paraiba Earrings

Finley earrings in 18k rose gold with 44 cts. t.w. Paraiba tourmalines and 2 cts. t.w. champagne diamonds, price on request; Bavna

“The stones, with their clouds of heavenly pink and blue mixed together, look like a painting. Framed in rose gold, they are warm, graceful, and elegant. At the posts, a choice that takes the pair from classic to modern: a geometric arrangement of diamonds within triangular (actually, more like diamond-shape) silhouettes. It completely transforms the look, I think, where the choice of a simple bezel-set diamond or the like would have still had these earrings looking great but with less visual interest.”

Nov. 1: Le Vian’s Mega-Wow Opal Necklace

Collar necklace in 18k Strawberry Gold with 9.85 ct. Neopolitan Opal and 15.51 cts. t.w. Vanilla Diamonds, $64,997; Le Vian

“October is over, but don’t think for a moment that means we stop raving about opal. Yes, we will celebrate November’s citrine and topaz, but when opal looks as good as it does, do we ever really need an excuse to show it off?… Dazzling in both size and splendor, the collar-style piece glitters with diamonds, excites with geometric detail, and pretty much just shows off with that opal centerpiece. Yes, with pieces like this, the season of opal is far from (read: never) over.”

Nov. 8: Martha Seely’s Inspiro Ceres Earrings

Inspiro collection Ceres earrings in 14k palladium white gold with aquamarine and blue sapphires, $4,510; Martha Seely

“This is the best look (and splash of color) I’ve seen from Martha yet—and I know it won’t be the last time I write those words. Her mesmerizing Inspiro collection has only become more dazzling with these Ceres earrings, their concentric circles inspired by the universe. The pair is available in the pictured combination of white gold and sapphire as well as in yellow gold with diamonds, and is of course offered with Martha’s signature stone—the pearl—at its center. Wanting to offer something with a more unique stone, Martha told me, she did this pair up with hammer-faceted aquamarines—and I am like, oh yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.”

Nov. 15: Susan Wheeler’s Sunrise Necklace

Sunrise necklace in 18k yellow gold with 11.34 cts. citrine, 3.6 cts. t.w. carved fire opal crystals, 0.56 ct. t.w. yellow sapphires, and 0.5 ct. t.w. topaz, $9,800; Susan Wheeler

“The cheerful disposition of Susan Wheeler’s Sunrise necklace was the draw for me initially, but in light of recent matters, it represents more than just a happy feeling. With its carved fire opal crystals and citrine (the latter carved by the fabulous John Dyer), it’s fiery and tough, graceful and bright—a symbol of strength for those who could really use some right now. But the piece is really for anyone and everyone: a major item of interest thanks to its color, skillful stonework, and golden aura.”

Nov. 22: Arya Esha’s One-of-a-Kind Gemstone Bracelet

One-of-a-kind bracelet in sterling silver and 18k white gold with 8.39 ct. fire opal, 6.85 cts. t.w. rainbow moonstone, 5.05 cts. t.w. lemon quartz, 3 cts. t.w. citrine, 0.6 ct. t.w. amethyst, and 0.15 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,800; Arya Esha

“It’s a knockout, but it’s streamlined, meaning it can seamlessly make its way into the daily rotation. And those fire opals and moonstones? Not the only gemstones here: In true Arya Esha form, a play of color has been constructed in lemon quartz, citrine, and amethyst, too. Oh, and diamonds. Don’t forget the diamonds.”

Nov. 29: EF Collection’s Diamond Trio Arrow Necklace

Diamond trio arrow necklace in 14k rose, yellow, or white gold, with 0.23 ct. t.w. diamonds, $975 each; EF Collection

“I have found the perfect holiday gift—for me. Well, probably for a lot of other people, too.… This pendant—available in white, yellow, or rose gold—is perfect for pairing with V-neck sweaters and low-cut holiday attire. It’s petite in nature yet boasts a big look, as it descends downward lavaliere-style, and it works really well on its own (those with a knack for wearing their pendants in groups will like how this looks, too).”

Dec. 6: Shay’s Starburst Collar Necklace

Starburst collar necklace in 18k yellow gold with 0.75 ct. t.w. diamonds, $7,455; Shay Jewelry

“So effortless. So gorgeous. I’m drooling. Shay’s substantial gold collar just slips on—no fussing with a clasp necessary—and voilà! Instant chic. It’s decorated with a diamond-set starburst motif, and those stars—a lucky seven—glisten with black rhodium detail against the tubular collar. This is easily a style staple, one that’s slipped into any travel jewelry case (or worn on the journey) and paired with everything from sweaters to little black dresses, turtlenecks to ball gowns.”

Dec. 13: Akiva Gil’s Tanzanite and Sapphire Ring

Cushion ring in 18k white gold with 6.17 ct. tanzanite, 0.08 ct. t.w. sapphires, and 0.61 ct. t.w. diamonds, $10,000; Akiva Gil

“As it’s easy for me to often confuse tanzanite and sapphire (especially in photos), I think the pairing of the two gemstones—the cushion-cut tanzanite center and its tiny sapphire side stones—is quite clever. They complement each another beautifully, yet also demonstrate their slight contrast well as they help to bring out the subtle purple hue of that center stone.”

Dec. 20: Amy Glaswand’s Cosmo Pearl Lariat

Cosmo lariat in 18k gold and silver with 10 mm pearl and 0.05 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Amy Glaswand

“The piece is very holiday chic, but I can see this making numerous appearances throughout the year, easily becoming a favorite in any collection. Its modern style lends it to layering, too—so fragile gold, choker-length chains, or even by-the-yard-style necklaces adorned with seed pearls, would pair beautifully.”

News Source : jckonline.com