The Tucson Gem Shows in February each year are a destination for designers and retailers who want to hunt for particular stones, discover new deposits, foster and nurture relationships with miners and dealers from across the globe, and get an accurate assessment of the current state of the market. It is also a source of inspiration and chance encounters under the sun, and in our latest episode of The COUTURE Podcast, our "man on the street" interviews provide insights into why Tucson is a mecca ...
Apr 03, 2025•23 min
Over the past three decades, Laura Bicego of NANIS has solidified her reputation as a pioneer in fine jewelry design. Her pieces cater to the nuances of contemporary, stylish women, with transitional pieces that can be worn in multiple ways a core element of her collections from the very beginning. In our latest COUTURE podcast, Laura shares how growing up in the industry has affected her approach to the design process, the joy she finds in pairing a piece of jewelry with its rightful owner, and...
Jan 27, 2025•39 min
Since it was founded in 1999, Jewelers For Children has donated over sixty four million dollars to nonprofits serving kids that are facing impossible circumstances. We had the opportunity to sit down with the organization’s Director, Sara Murphy, to learn more about the impact all of our efforts have had on the lives of kids in need, to discover the ways in which anyone can get involved, and to learn more about what the future holds for our industry’s charity.
Jan 06, 2025•29 min
Heather Moore, the artist behind Heather B. Moore jewelry, creates bespoke pieces for her clients by stamping meaningful words or phrases into gold or silver, literally altering the molecules of the metal. Beyond the function of this process, her approach is a reflection of her belief that all of one’s lived experiences—the good, the bad and everything in between—are a part of our individuality. Tune in to our latest episode of the COUTURE podcast to learn about Heather’s passion for and knowled...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Within the hallowed halls of their Naples and Palm Beach, Florida locations, Marissa Collections has built a veritable jewelry empire. Offering the work of 100’s of jewelry designers and brands complements their selection of high end clothing and accessories, allowing their loyal clientele to rely upon the store to outfit them from head to toe. CEO and Owner of Marissa Collections, Jay Hartington, along with Buyer and Lead Fine Jewelry Curator, Jennifer (JJ) McCurry, share with us their circuito...
Jul 24, 2024•59 min
From a childhood rooted in creativity as an extracurricular pursuit to studying political science at Berkley to a successful, decade long career in the movie business, designer Suzy Landa’s path to jewelry design was anything but straightforward. In this episode of The COUTURE Podcast, Suzy shares the unabridged version of her journey, including some great anecdotes about her time working in Story Development for Hollywood films, the fateful moments and auspicious encounters that helped her alon...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Founder and creative director of Cadar, Michal Kadar, says that every piece she creates begins with a story. Yet when we sat down to record the COUTURE Podcast, I realized that “story” seemed almost too small of a word to convey the universe she is building through her designs. From understanding the essence of oneself, to the skin that serves as a vessel for one’s humanity to the lives and experiences that make up a whole being, she has created a multi-dimensional means of self-expression....
May 20, 2024•40 min
Have you ever wondered why the jewelry industry flocks to Tucson, Arizona each February? Are you curious about how designers shop for gemstones? What about the gemstones that those "in the know" consider the most underrated or overrated? For this Special Edition Podcast, we stopped a handful of designers and industry tastemakers in the aisles of "the tents," in the back lot of the Tucson Convention Center, in the lobby of Pueblo and, in one case, underneath a highway overpass, to get some insigh...
Feb 28, 2024•24 min
Have you ever wondered how Tahitian pearls get their unique color? Or why South Sea pearls are so valuable? Or how those who cultivate pearls work towards maintaining the eco-chain of oysters’ natural habitat? In our most recent episode of the COUTURE Podcast, Senior Vice President of Assael, Peggy Grosz, answers these questions and more, while also sharing the vital role she plays in maintaining the venerable company’s 75 year legacy.
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Syna means together, and the concept of togetherness and collaboration is a core tenet of the Syna brand of jewelry. Started by husband and wife team, DK and Namrata Kothari, 20 years ago, the collection has evolved throughout the decades while maintaining its core “effortless sophistication” aesthetic. Tune into our latest podcast with DK and Namrata to learn more about their unique journey, their many sources of inspiration and how their spirituality extends to all aspects of their life, inclu...
Oct 25, 2023•47 min
A quest for joy is at the heart of everything Corina Limon Madilian does. Along with her husband, Ari, Corina owns and operates the brand Single Stone, a multi-brand jewelry store of the same name, as well as a lifestyle boutique. In our conversation for the COUTURE podcast, Corina shares more about her background, the creative process she and Ari apply to jewelry design, and some very useful tips for successfully working with one's spouse.
Aug 14, 2023•37 min
It was fascinating to sit down with NOMIS designer, Alyona Kiperman, to learn how her unique worldview impacts her creativity. A native of Ukraine, Alyona opened her eponymous boutique in Kiev in February of 2022, and her lived experiences have added to the bold defiance that has long been associated with her brand’s distinctive aesthetic.
Jul 11, 2023•36 min
For artist Stephen Wilson of Stephen Wilson Studio, the medium is the message. After getting his start in New York City's garment district, hustling gigs making concert t-shirts and offering his embroidery services, Stephen eventually added interior design projects to his repertoire of fashion experience. The mixed medium art that is now his signature came out of a desire to fill his own home with art, and while his work is now carried at several galleries, jewelry and specialty stores, he still...
Jun 13, 2023•50 min
When Mollie Good and Stephani Abramow launched their collection, Walters Faith, they knew they wanted to create jewelry with a distinct aesthetic. Long-time admirers of jewelry, they saw a need in the market for the type of “effortless luxury” they wanted to create and, a decade later, their collection continues to evolve while staying true to their core DNA. In our most recent COUTURE podcast, the duo share their journey, some tips for maintaining a vibrant partnership, and what the future hold...
May 15, 2023•40 min
Designer Adel Chefridi recalls with wonder how a magician visiting his little town in Tunisia when he was a child sparked his first sense of having purpose. Watching the magic tricks, he suddenly realized that everything wasn’t always as it seemed, and as an artist, he transposes a similar sense of awe and wonder onto the gemstones with which he works. In our COUTURE podcast, Adel shares how the many influences from his childhood continue to impact his work, the emotional attachment he feels to ...
Apr 18, 2023•53 min
Studio Renn was founded by husband and wife team Rahul and Roshni Jhaveri in 2018. While they define the approach to the materials with which they work as "agnostic," the use of concrete, as an example, in their fine jewelry collection, isn't the only thing that sets Studio Renn apart. It was thrilling to sit down with Rahul to learn about this couple's unique approach to the creative process, the ways in which they are challenging traditional perceptions of what's considered valuable, and to le...
Mar 21, 2023•31 min
After emigrating to the United States from Argentina, designer Jorge Adeler, his wife, and their two daughters, Wendy and Valentina, became an insular unit. Tune in to our latest COUTURE Podcast to discover how this family-run business has evolved over the years and how passion and love of family continue to be the driving force behind Jorge’s creative expression.
Dec 22, 2022•58 min
The designer behind Azlee, Baylee Ann Zwart, first discovered her inherent love of fine jewelry while working abroad in Guatemala. In this episode of the COUTURE podcast, Baylee shares her love of the intimacy in the creative process, her reverence for the relationships that are involved in bringing her creative vision to life, and her commitment to embodying ethical and environmental standards in all aspects of her business.
Nov 07, 2022•44 min
Founder of Moksh, Milan Chokshi, takes a holistic approach to running his business. He named the company Moksh because it refers to liberation; he wanted to break free from the traditional view of jewelry held in his native India and establish a brand that revered the art, craft, engineering and precious materials inherent in creating pieces that have global appeal. We were thrilled to sit down with Milan to discuss the intricacies of the craftsmanship applied to the brand’s designs, learn more ...
Oct 03, 2022•37 min
A former U.S. Olympian, Erica Molinari never would have guessed she’d one day be designing jewelry. Drawn to the technical aspect of jewelry fabrication, Erica also discovered that she loves the process of coming up with a concept, and making it work. We were thrilled to sit down with Erica to hear about her background as an athlete, how her training continues to fuel her approach to her business, and the freedom she feels in being a self-taught artists.
Aug 02, 2022•36 min
As a fifth generation diamantaire, designer Jade Trau has an intrinsic understanding of diamonds that allows her to reinterpret classic styles with a unique and fresh perspective. It was a delight to sit down with Jade to hear about her life-long affiliation with diamonds, the ongoing joy she feels in being able to do what she loves for a living, and how grateful she is for the support she receives from her community.
Jun 20, 2022•52 min
Designer Tariq Riaz initially embarked on jewelry design in an effort to solve a problem. The exercise resulted in a newfound obsession with jewelry design and fabrication that he knew he needed to explore, and with his wife's support, Tariq began to immerse himself in learning everything he could about the craft. With a background in engineering and robotics, Tariq's work evokes a form-meets-function sensibility that has already garnered him wide-spread recognition and enviable accolades....
May 09, 2022•48 min
While working in her previous career in advertising, Lauren Godfrey, the designer behind Harwell Godfrey, learned how to take an idea and turn it into a reality. Drawn to the tactile nature of jewelry design, Lauren also discovered that working with precious metals and gemstones was a profound way to connect with her spirituality. With a loyal following of collectors that includes some of the world's most inspiring public figures, multiple awards and accolades, and a dedication to giving back to...
Feb 07, 2022•31 min
While working as a fine art photographer, Monica Rich Kosann became fascinated with seeking out vintage powder compacts, cigarette cases and lockets and turning them into keepsakes for her most beloved clients. The stories these heirlooms evoked resonated with her process of capturing the essence of her photography subjects in order to convey their unique stories. Over time, Monica’s fascination organically evolved and she threw herself full force into jewelry design, creating lockets that debun...
Dec 22, 2021•46 min
King Baby Studio has long been a go-to jeweler for some of the biggest names in Rock n’ Roll (and for those who embody a Rock n’ Roll aesthetic!). We were thrilled to sit down with Ben Binder, Director of the brand and the son of its founder, Mitchell Binder, to learn about the brand’s commitment to authenticity, how the brand started and how it continues to evolve, and the important role that family plays in the overall company dynamic.
Nov 21, 2021•20 min
Fine jewelry house DAVIDOR creates pieces that evoke a sense of precision and sophistication. Its unique use of lacquered ceramic pays homage to ancient jewelry craftsmanship, and yet the brand’s ethos is actually a seamless blend of both tradition and innovation. We were thrilled to sit down with the brand’s founder, David Gusky, to discuss the years he spent developing the concept for the brand, the inspiration for its widely recognizable arch motif, and what the future holds for the evolution...
Oct 24, 2021•33 min
Artist Paula Crevoshay is widely known as the “Queen of Color.” A painter from a very young age, Paula continues to “paint” with precious gemstones and metals, playing with refractive indices and the light of the earth itself. Tune in to our discussion with Paula where we discussed her approach to jewelry design, her supernatural ability to see color and her belief that the events of her life are pre-ordained.
Sep 10, 2021•40 min
Designer Jacquie Aiche is ever-cognizant of the powerful effects gemstones and minerals have on the human form, and her sensual, effortlessly chic silhouettes beg to be layered and stacked and worn as talismans of strength and protection. Tune in to our latest episode of the COUTURE Podcast to learn more about Jacquie’s journey, and to get some inside tips on what gemstones we all need to be wearing right now!
Jul 21, 2021•25 min
We sat down with Marion Fasel, Jewelry Historian, Author, Curator and Founder of The Adventurine, to learn about her rise to prominence in the jewelry industry, to discuss her curated exhibit, "Beautiful Creatures," at New York City's American Museum of Natural History, and to hear more about her philosophy regarding jewelry and jewelry designer's relevance throughout history. As Marion tells us, "To me, the jewelry designers ARE the celebrities!"
Jun 07, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Designer Katherine Jetter first made her mark on the fine jewelry industry with the introduction of fresh, contemporary designs featuring opals from her native-country of Australia. She is now recognized for prolific collections that highlight a vast array of extraordinary gemstones sourced from across the globe, and with her multi-brand storefront and Atelier in Nantucket and Boston respectively, Katherine is thrilled to showcase the collections of other artists whose work she admires and respe...
Mar 29, 2021•46 min
