Latest news with #luxuryjewelry
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lauren Sanchez's $5m ring sparks criticism as fans think it could snap... but jewelers reveal the truth
's massive diamond ring causes uproar as fans think it could snap any minute. The 55-year-old former journalist showed off her stunning sparkler back in 2023, after her now-husband Jeff Bezos proposed aboard his $500 million superyacht, Koru. The ring is estimated to be about 30 carats and has been valued between $3 and $5million. Lauren revealed in an interview with Vogue that the center stone is a rare pink diamond with a rose tone. However, Lauren was quick to upgrade her multimillion dollar engagement ring for her actual wedding, but the design might be too delicate. During her over-the-top wedding week in Venice, Italy, Lauren showed off a new dazzler that jewelers previously told the Daily Mail they believe is worth between $1.5 million and $5million. On social media, people quickly called out the design for seemingly being too delicate to support the massive diamond. Now, insiders told whether the oversized diamond from jeweler to the stars Lorraine Schwartz will hold up, or if it's at risk of being lost during her next space or yacht trip. Deena Bassam, the owner of Deena Diamond Designs, said in a viral TikTok: 'A band that thin with a diamond that size... It's an accident waiting to happen,' including a closeup of the jewel. Bassam went on to say in the caption, 'I'm scared'. The Dallas-based jewelry designer explained: 'Your ring should not only fit your aesthetic preferences but also suite your lifestyle.' Bassam told that she tells her own clients: 'There is no piece of jewelry that is made of precious metals and diamonds or gemstone that is indestructible, no matter how well crafted it is.' Her commenters were quick to voice their concerns on social media, with many appalled by the sheer size of the diamond and its seemingly wildly delicate band. Many thought the ring could be structurally weakened because of all of the smaller diamonds, putting it at even greater risk. 'They're filthy rich and I'm sure it's insured. If it pops out, she'll get another,' one person mused. 'With their money, it literally doesn't matter if it breaks in like a month and she loses it,' another commenter wrote. Landau said: 'If the band is too thin... the pave diamonds are more likely to fall out.' However, not everyone believes it's an accident waiting to happen. 'Platinum is basically the workhorse of fine jewelry - strong, durable and built to last,' Monil Kothari, CEO and founder of Haus of Brilliance jewelry, told Kothari thinks 'the design actually looks smart', because 'it appears to distribute the diamond's weight evenly across the finger, which takes a ton of pressure off the band itself', which is 'not poor craftsmanship'. He added: 'My hot take? It's a gorgeous stone, a beautiful ring, and there's way too much haterade online. Honestly, I find it laughable that people are speculating that the founder of Amazon is sitting around hoping the ring fails so he can collect on an insurance claim. This isn't an amateur hour jewelry job,' Kothari continued. 'Bezos isn't shopping on Alibaba - any professional worth their salt makes sure a ring like this is engineered to last.'
Entrepreneur
08-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Leading With Purpose: AV Group Founder and CEO Ashish Vijay is Drawing on Generational Values to Grow His Businesses
With his expertise extending into the worlds of entrepreneurship, investments, and philanthropy, AV Group Chairman and founder Ashish Vijay is betting on the values passed down through the generations before him to imbue ethics and longevity in all his endeavors. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. There seems to be a common behavioral combination that exists among most new generation family business leaders: a deep seated desire to honor the traditions and values that have built the companies they helm, and a vigor to introduce the right innovations to grow their business impact. It is this sentiment that is evident in the work of (and, indeed, the interview responses from) Ashish Vijay, the founder and CEO of AV Group, a UAE-based business conglomerate primarily renowned for its luxury jewelry products. After all, it was his grandfather who, in a newly independent India in 1948, set up a gemstone trading business in the capital city of New Delhi. "I'm here to protect what came before me and explore what's possible next," Vijay says. "Leading a company that has a successful legacy of more than seven decades is a big responsibility, but also something I'm proud of. This company was built on strong values and a long history. My job is to respect that legacy while also taking things forward." So far, Vijay has stayed true to his promise. Under his leadership, AV Group –which eventually shifted its headquarters to the UAE over the years– has gone on to operate in a number of other industries including financial investment, social impact and real estate. But for the founder, it was an imbibed love for gemstones that marked his initiation into the world of business. "I didn't really choose this path—it was always around me," he says. "I grew up surrounded by colour and sparkle. For me, gemstones weren't just beautiful objects; they had life, energy, and meaning. Even as a child, I felt connected to them. So it was never a question of "if," just "when." From very early on, I knew this was what I was meant to do." That initial spark of interest has continued to ignite Vijay's passion, with AV Group today having three distinct verticals for its gemstone offerings. The first of these is Meraki by Tiara Gems, a store that offers everyday jewelry that is both classic and wearable. Ranging from a modest AED600 to a high-end pricing of AED12,900, the brand offers pieces made of diamonds as well as precious stones such as ruby, emerald and sapphire. While a physical Meraki by Tiara Gems store is located at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), the designs can also be purchased via its online platform. The second is AV by Ashish Vijay. "This is our most exclusive line, and offers one-of-a-kind pieces with rare stones like red diamonds, Cashmere sapphires, and more," Vijay explains. Image courtesy BNC Publishing The third vertical is perhaps the most pristine of the lot– AV Globale, a B2E global auction platform that engages gemstone enthusiasts, manufacturers as well as producers of gems and jewels. For its Dubai-based auctions, the entity has forged a formidable partnership with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). "AV Globale connects serious collectors directly with top-tier gemstones and jewellery, whether rough, polished, or custom-made," Vijay adds. "Our clients appreciate rarity, meaning, and quality. They don't just buy jewellery—they invest in pieces that tell a story." Now, Vijay's belief in the ability of ornaments to narrate a tale isn't some spiel to garner attention– it clearly stems from his own connection with precious stones. So deep rooted has his drive to curate the best collections for AV Group been, that the founder often gets directly involved in the sourcing and selecting of stones for the brand's designs. "I believe every gemstone has a story, and you can only understand that if you work closely with it," he says. "I personally choose every important stone because it's not just about quality—it's about finding the right match between the gem and the person. That care and attention shows in the pieces we create. It's what makes them special." Vijay's dedication to his craft received a major external nod of approval when, in early 2023, he joined the board of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and was given the role of ICA Dubai Chapter's Director. "Through my role at ICA, I've been able to promote coloured gemstones more widely in this region," Vijay notes. "We've built new connections and partnerships to bring more attention to this side of the industry. It's been a privilege to help position Dubai as a hub for rare gems. Dubai has given us the perfect foundation to grow—great infrastructure, strong leadership, and global reach." Image courtesy BNC Publishing Indeed, the UAE's gems and jewelry market has been silently proving its mettle as an economy booster, with a report by US-based management consulting platform TechSci Research showing that the industry stood at US$8.34 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.84% between 2025 and 2029. Vijay and his team thus hope to create their own distinct mark in the market through the creation of jewelry items that are created with intent. "We don't follow trends just to stay current," Vijay declares. "Instead, we focus on timeless designs that connect with people. Our work combines global influences with rare materials. We also use technology to improve craftsmanship and offer a smooth experience—but always in a way that supports the heart of the piece, not distracts from it. But the same aforementioned report —which highlights that the UAE's strategic location as a global trade hub, its tax-free environment, tourism, and multicultural population have been key drivers in the industry's steady rise— also notes that a global lack of ethical practices has been detrimental to achieving sustainable growth. One such area of ethicality has been the treatment of small-scale miners, who face issues ranging from unfair working treatment to lack of market access. For Vijay, ensuring a more equitable ecosystem in this regard has been paramount. "At AV Group, we work closely with small-scale miners because they're a crucial part of the gemstone world," he shares. "Many of them don't have access to fair pricing or stable income. So we help by offering financial support and giving them direct access to our Dubai auctions. This gives them a better chance to grow—and helps us build a more honest and sustainable supply chain." Vijay's drive to create a more transparent industry is deeply interlinked with his philanthropic efforts– something he mentions has "always been close to my heart." As such, one major initiative in this regard has been Gems of Hope- a program that directs resources toward critical medical aid and research. In 2025, through a partnership with India-based Tata Memorial Hospital and AIIMS Delhi, the program has also redirected its funds specifically towards cancer care and research. "Philanthropy is not just something we add on—it's part of how we run the business," Vijay says. "Through Gems of Hope, we support children's education, healthcare access, and environmental efforts. It's our way of giving back with purpose. For me, true success includes helping others rise with you." Image courtesy BNC Publishing It is perhaps this mindset that led Vijay into the field of financial investments as well. In 2016, he set up Seiko Financial Services in Dubai to support businesses ranging from grassroots ventures to global startups, with a special focus on empowering women-led enterprises. There is AV Investment Funds, a new initiative aimed at maximizing investor earnings while expanding opportunities in high-value assets. "AV Investment Funds allows people to invest with us in a range of areas—rare gemstones, real estate, and renewable energy," he explains. "But it's about more than financial returns! It's about building trust, long-term value, and creating opportunities that benefit everyone involved." Vijay and AV Group's move into the booming realm of real estate has also led to the launch of AV Real Properties (AVRP), a real estate innovation platform aimed to cater to the growing number of property buyers in the nation. "We will soon be launching new initiatives through AVRP which will focus on fractional ownership," Vijay reveals. "This model makes it possible for more people to invest in carefully selected, high-value properties. It's a step toward more inclusive, transparent ownership—something we deeply believe in." Image courtesy BNC Publishing But that isn't all Vijay has in the pipeline. "We're entering an exciting chapter," he declares. "Over the next 12 to 18 months, our focus is on expanding AV Group across key areas—real estate, investment, and impact. AV Investment Funds will continue to grow across sectors like clean energy, rare gemstone portfolios, and legacy real estate. But for us, it's not just about financial performance—it's about building long-term ecosystems built on trust and value. On the impact side, our Gems of Hope initiative remains close to our heart. The new projects focus on cancer care and critical treatment access for underserved communities—causes we are deeply committed to. And, as always, we'll also be unveiling new collections, exploring new mines, and investing in technologies that help us evolve while staying true to who we are. The future for us is about more than growth—it's about meaning, inclusion, and legacy." As Vijay gears up for this new phase of growth and innovation, he remains grounded by the advice he received from his predecessor– his father, Vijay Kumar Jain. "My father has had the biggest influence on me," Vijay says. "He didn't just hand over the business—he passed on the values that built it. He always said, "The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward." But more importantly, he believed in trust, transparency, and tradition. These are the values I still follow, and they've become the foundation of how we run AV Group today and will continue to!"
Globe and Mail
07-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
IBling Jewels Leading a New Era of Luxury Jewelry
IBling Jewels Leading a New Era of Luxury Jewelry As luxury evolves in the modern age, consumers are shifting away from old definitions tied solely to rarity and high price tags. Today's buyers value transparency, ethical sourcing, personalized design, and digital convenience just as much as beauty and brilliance. With the rise of eco-conscious fashion and responsible spending, jewelry is no longer just a symbol of wealth but it's a reflection of values. Amid this transformation, iBling Jewels is leading a quiet revolution. Founded in 2020, the brand has quickly become a global force in lab-grown diamond fine jewelry, creating exquisite rings, necklaces, earrings, and custom pieces crafted from IGI-certified stones and premium recycled metals. The brand provides a simple and personal shopping experience, where customers can browse the Curate Collections, request custom design and even select flexible payment options. The success of the brand is inspired by a combination of fine craftsmanship, innovative e-commerce strategy and a commitment to moral sourcing. With more than 1500 positive customer reviews in platforms such as Etsy and Instagram, Ibling Jewels has created a community of modern buyers that affect style, matter and stability. With its global distribution and customer service in the center, iBling makes luxury available, whether you are in New York, London, Dubai or Mumbai. Ibling jewelry was initiated to bring revolution in the jewelry industry through moral and durable processes. From the beginning, the brand focused on stylish rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, which were recycled by using lab-grown diamond and precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum. Each piece is designed to reflect beauty, quality and care for the planet. iBling Jewels are already known all over the world for their dedication to eco-friendly luxury. Thousands of environmentally related consumers have come to rely on this because of their craft design, open ethics and fair prices. By following the basic values, Ibling paves the way for a new era in fine jewelry, with a luxury and responsibility shoe. iBling Jewels has rapidly grown into a trusted global name in luxury lab-grown diamond jewelry. Since launching its online platform, iBling has made ethically-crafted, IGI-certified lab grown diamonds accessible to customers worldwide to combine sustainability with elegance. A dedicated in-house team of designers, gemologists, and support specialists are at the core of iBling's success, making sure that every order of personalized engagement rings to tennis bracelets that are ready to ship and is handled with consideration, clarity, and openness. Throughout their journey, customers gain from real-time tracking, prompt assistance, and tailored advice, which fosters a sense of trust that keeps them returning. With its sophisticated and morally sound lab-grown diamond jewelry, iBling Jewels is revolutionizing contemporary luxury. Sparkling engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond studs, huggie hoops, tennis bracelets, pendants, and trademark necklaces are just a few of the exquisite items that the business specializes in. Each piece is expertly and purposefully designed. Their handmade jewelry mixes classic style with modern simplicity and offers alternatives for everyday wear and once in a lifetime. From Bezel-set tennis bracelets and solitaire pendants to dainty stacked rings and statement bridal sets, echoing jewels gives beauty without compromise. The brand is also known for its customized jewelry services, which gives customers a chance to carry meaningful pieces of premium diamonds and personal touch. Committed to sustainability and affordability, iBling ensures all diamonds are conflict-free and grown using responsible practices. Their online store provides safe international shipping, easy adjustment and direct-to-gray prices, making luxury more accessible than ever. In 2025, iBling plans to expand the offers, which will lead the next era of modern luxury, consciously, continue its mission with a new line with the lab-grown diamond jewelry and curated designer collaboration. iBling Jewels invites customers to discover its sustainable lab-grown diamond collections online at or through global delivery. As a pioneer in ethical fine jewelry, iBling Jewels is redefining modern luxury with eco-friendly craftsmanship, elegant design, and conscious values.
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Americans are spending less on luxury items but this market still shines
A new report indicates Americans are spending less on luxury items across nearly every category — except for one. U.S. credit card spending on luxury goods between January and May has dropped compared to the same period last year, CNBC reports, citing new data from Citigroup. But luxury jewelry sales have consistently increased on an annual basis since September, with spending increasing more than 10 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024, the data indicates. There was also an uptick in the number of individual consumers buying luxury jewelry, according to the report. Customers see jewelry purchases as long-term investments, which could be contributing to this trend, Citi analyst Thomas Chauvet told CNBC. 'When you have $3,000 to spend on luxury, you know, are you going to buy a piece of jewelry or a handbag for the same price?' Chauvet said. 'Perhaps the piece of jewelry gives you superior intrinsic value given the precious metals content and superior emotional value and meaning.' An uptick in gold prices could also explain the trend, Chauvet said. 'It is probably sensible to buy a Cartier bracelet now, given they have increased prices by less than 5% since the beginning of 2025, when gold prices have appreciated by over 25%,' he added. Luxury watch spending is also on the rise, with purchases across brands up 14.7 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024. While luxury spending is dropping, it still performed better than expected in May, CNBC reports. Luxury spending only dropped 1.7 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024. However, spending dropped 6.8 percent in April and 8.5 percent in March compared to the same months last year. President Donald Trump's widespread tariffs could also be playing a role in changing consumer habits, CNBC reports. In April, Trump implemented and then paused tariffs on imports from nearly every country. He then committed to reaching trade deals with ' 90 countries in 90 days.' That pause is set to expire next week, and Trump says he's not planning to extend the pause any further. His administration is now preparing to send letters to countries about the upcoming trade penalties, he told Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures. 'We'll look at how a country treats us — are they good, are they not so good — some countries we don't care, we'll just send a high number out,' Trump said.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Greet the July heat in style. This month, L.A. offers museum dance parties and luxurious sneakers
Venture inside the newest Boucheron Boutique, the luxury French jewelry house's first Los Angeles location. On Rodeo Drive, the shop's interior captures a sense of old Hollywood glamour and infuses influences from California's lush landscapes. At Boucheron's core, everything comes back to family, as the business has been passed down through generations dating back to 1858. Seated at one of the many round tables, shoppers are meant to feel as if they are unearthing a new part of their luxurious lineage. Opens June 30. 449 N Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. Loewe's latest Basket Bags are designed to be nestled in warm pockets of sand, edging a rising ocean tide. The bag, which transfers the feeling of summer to its wearer, is part of the Spanish luxury brand's annual Paula's Ibiza Collection. Embracing the free spirit of an island lifestyle, the line pays homage to Paula's Boutique, a staple designer in Ibiza fashion. The Feminist Center for Creative Work is celebrating its 10th anniversary by revitalizing some of its most beloved programming. Throughout the summer, the Elysian Valley nonprofit will feature workshops from artists who have grown in tandem with the center and create new connective experiences. Artist Gabrielle Civil is hosting Experimentos en Alegría/Experiments in Joy, a bilingual event that guides participants to transform joy from a feeling to a practice. The next day, Yasmine Diaz will be joined by several artists in a panel discussing the importance of intergenerational friendships, for the Generations in Dialogue: Friendship & Mentorship session. July 12-13. 3053 Rosslyn St., Los Angeles. Multi-hyphenate Donald Glover brings the feeling of warm citrus groves to Moncler's typical mountainscape with their new collaboration. Inspired by Glover's Gilga farm, both an operational space and creative sanctuary, the collection is functional and elegant. The drop features items like a hero duvet jacket that doubles as a sleeping bag and colorful gardening hats. Each piece was designed to be "transeasonal," with an emphasis on a Southern California summer feel. Under the creative direction of Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton introduces the LV Buttersoft Sneakers. Its chunky silhouette lies at the intersection of casual luxury and old-school sportswear. The leather, streetwear-inspired shoe, featured in the Men's Fall-Winter 2025 Collection, brings a high-fashion feel to a leisurely style. Atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center presents "Queer Lens: A History of Photography." It's the first-ever exhibit in the U.S. to explore photography's role in documenting the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. With photos traversing anywhere from the 19th century to today, visitors get a peek into what gay clubs were like in the Prohibition era and can see the beginnings of the Gay Liberation Movement. In the perpetual face of homophobia, the Westside art institution brings queer visibility to its forefront, as both a historical record of survival and an affirmation of the community's impact. On view through Sept. 28. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. In Haider Ackermann's second seasonal collection with Canada Goose, the creative director introduces the Snow Goose Capsule. Drawing from the brand's nearly 70-year archive, this line brings back classic styles, but with an emphasis on summertime. Each piece is more breathable than ever and is meant to symbolize a connection to the natural world. Between the nylon shorts, light rain gear and outdoorsy cotton pants, Canada Goose asserts its style authority year-round. L.A.-based artist Takako Yamaguchi is unveiling her first solo museum show in the city at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Over the course of her 40-year career, her paintings have grappled with Eastern and Western artistic influences as a way to understand cultural ownership and ethnic identity. The exhibition spotlights her signature abstract figurations and natural landscapes. On view through Jan. 4. 250 South Grand Ave. Los Angeles. When gearing up for a tennis match, Brain Dead offers options for the fashionable underdogs. In its latest tennis equipment collection, the L.A.-based streetwear brand adds a few more staple pieces — like a seersucker jacket and a fully equipped racquet tote — to its growing selection of tennis wear. This line is meant for those who bring a certain level of style (and skill) to the courts. Right before LACMA's "Digital Witness: Revolutions in Design, Photography, and Film" exhibit closes, the museum is throwing a techno dance party in celebration. In line with the show, which tells the history of digital manipulation tools, the party will immerse attendees in technologically influenced aesthetics, both visually and sonically. Tokimonsta, an L.A. local and experimental DJ, will be behind the turntables, and fellow artist Andrew Huang will do large-scale projection mapping around the space. As the music rages on, the event will also allow visitors to live out their "Night at the Museum" fantasies — offering after-hours access to the exhibition. July 12. 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
