We’re very excited to introduce the Lyra Collection that showcases the beauty of natural gemstones wrapped in elegant diamond threads set in 18K white and rose gold. Inspired by cosmic beauty and blooming with colorful tourmalines, morganites, rubellites and opals, Lyra makes a bold statement of opulence featuring earrings, cocktail rings and pendants.

“The colors and mystery of the cosmos are reflected in the gemstones we find in the depths of our planet,” said Yael Designs’ CEO Yehouda Saketkhou. “That is why we named this new collection after Lyra, a small constellation featuring one of the sky’s brightest stars.”

Many of the pieces in Lyra are set with custom-made narrow threads of diamonds that overlay the gemstones in the center, a difficult and unique technological feat that took Yael Designs years to perfect.

To help select the best pieces for this collection, the jewelry designers worked closely with the brand’s fans to garner feedback and perfect the pieces.

“This is an exciting time to be in design because social media allows us to interact directly with our fans and learn their opinions before the pieces are even cast,” said Yael Designs marketing director Stefan Patashvili. “Having received great feedback from our fans, it is no surprise the Lyra Collection is enjoying such great attention from our retailer customers.”

Although making its first full appearance at 2012 JCK Las Vegas, the Lyra Collection has already received rave reviews for the singular beauty of its designs from retailers, fashion editors and celebrities alike.

Iceskating champion Kristi Yamaguchi wore the blue zircon cocktail ring and fire opal earrings from Lyra Collection.

Actress Kerry Washington wore a fire opal cocktail ring to Essence magazine’s 2012 Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.

Two fire opal rings from the collection have already garnered the prestigious 2012 AGTA Spectrum and 2012 JCK Jewelers’ Choice awards.

The price for Lyra Collection starts at $4,200.

We’re so excited to announce that our black diamond jewelry and model appear on the cover of prestigious INSTORE Magazine May 2012 issue!

We just love how our black diamond earrings, cocktail ring and bracelet sparkle on the model!

Thank you to these amazing San Francisco fashion professionals for helping with creating this look:

Photography by Ian Maxion

Model Jodi James Miller

Makeup by FaceMe By Carlen

Styling by Ukushu Khrystyna

Hair by Lana Orca

April showers bring May flowers, but we’d prefer some dazzling Emeralds instead!  This month’s birthstone is a natural beauty, coming in various shades of mesmerizing green.  Did you know the emerald has a long history, being mined even in Ancient Egypt?  We think Cleopatra would like to try some of our modern interpretations of this gem. These emerald and diamond earrings have an organic, flowing form that bring out the inner Queen in all of us.

Huge emerald

Meet the Gachala Emerald!  This stunner is one of the largest and most famous uncut emeralds in the world. Currently residing at the Smithsonian Institution in New York, the Gachala was discovered in 1967 in Colombia, where rare types of emeralds are often found.  Weighing a hefty 858 carats (172 g), the Gachala Emerald is an example of the pure beauty of uncut gems.

Mom’s wisdom

Emeralds are not meant just for May babies. May is also the month we celebrate Mother’s Day and what mother wouldn’t love a vibrant emerald pendant?  Said to be a symbol of hope, wisdom and tranquility, the emerald embodies all the values a mother possesses.  These emerald earrings with colorful accents are the perfect representation of the balance and beauty a mother finds in her life every day.

Rejuvenate with emeralds

The rich green color of an emerald is reminiscent of nature and inner beauty.  Said to be a source of positive and rejuvenating energy a brilliant emerald is sure to make its wearer smile.  Whether it is accented with yellow or white gold an emerald evokes a sense of peace and joy.  We love experimenting with such a versatile gem.  Like these gorgeous rings we think the emerald is perfect for any occasion!

For all our May Babies we wish you a Happy Birthday and hope your month shines as bright and radiant as an emerald!

This spring bridal magazines are raving about our emerald-cut diamond engagement rings and we’re feeling grateful!

Our emerald-cut engagement ring is prominently featured in the May issue of Bridal Guide magazine along with super brands like Tiffany & Co and A. Jaffe.

After the surprise announcement of Angelina Jolie’s engagement to Brad Pitt, Brides featured another Yael emerald-cut diamond engagement ring in its story “Angelina Jolie’s Engagement Ring: Get the Look”

As San Francisco’s premier jewelry design house, we are dedicated not only to creating jewelry that speaks to our colorful, freedom-loving city, but also to working with the people and organizations that make it so beautiful and unique.

For the last three years, Yael Designs has been supporting the work of The Junior League of San Francisco, which has devoted millions of dollars and volunteer hours to improving the Bay Area since its founding in 1911.  

The Junior League of San Francisco held its 86^th Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser on April 13^th, 2012 to celebrate the hard work of the women who have created a strong and enduring positive force for their community. In commemoration of the loyal service of the JLSF volunteers, Yael Designs donated a topaz necklace to this year’s Silent Auction event.

“At last year’s centennial celebration, the stunning diamond necklace from Yael Designs was extremely well received at our Silent Auction and instrumental in helping us achieve our fundraising goals,” said JLSF’s Caitlin Fisher.

We believe the beauty and vibrancy of this organization’s passionate volunteers is reflected in this year’s donation, a one-of-a-kind dazzling smoky topaz and diamond pendant.

Having partnered with the JLSF for the past 3 years, Yael Designs is proud to support the nationally and internationally recognized organization and their community programs.  Every day the League is making history and helping San Francisco become a wonderful place to live, work and play.  It is our honor to be a part of its inspirational advocacy work.

You can learn more about the community impact of JLSF on www.jlsf.org.

We’re very excited to see our Leone earrings with Japanese seed pearls and black diamonds featured by Grace Ormonde Wedding Style magazine!

Renowned jeweler Yael Designs has been named both finalist and winner of the 2012 JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards.  This prestigious award honors the best jewelry designs of the year and the artists who create them.  We are elated to be honored with other fabulous designers that won this year!

The 2012 winner of the Colored Stone Category $2,501-$10,000 is our hotter than lava 6.47 ct. Fire Opal Ring.  This piece features 0.85 ct. t.w. of colorless diamonds set in 18k white gold.  Imaginative and whimsical, the flow of this design is certain to draw an endless stream of compliments!  Retail $6,304. 

With its unique design and luminescent stone the Fire Opal Ring is an exquisite example of Yael Designs’ dedication to creating the utmost in luxurious fashion and bridal jewelry.

Our Riptide Tanzanite Ring was also name a Finalist with its ethereal diamond ripples twirling and cradling a deep blue 8.20 ct. tanzanite. This dazzling ring was created with 0.98 ct. t.w. of colorless diamonds set in 18k white gold. A stunner like this is certain to draw attention! Retail $12,394.

The JCK awards follows the AGTA Spectrum Manufacturing Honors Awards we received for the Fire Opal Ring and Tanzanite Earrings. 

“We’re very honored that our jewelry creations have been recognized and appreciated by our esteemed colleagues in the industry,” said Yael Designs CEO Yehouda Saketkhou. “These awards serve as a great inspiration to continue innovating and growing.”

Experience and passion work together to translate artistic inspiration into stunning pieces.  Masterful craftsmanship and sustainability set us apart from the competition and allow us to shape the world of jewelry design.  Awards like the JCK Jewelers’ Choice pave the way for more incredible designs by Yael. 

Actress Kerry Washington wore Yael jewelry to the 2012 Black Women in Hollywood luncheon hosted by Essence Magazine!

“Scandal” actress Kerry Washington and Essence’s march cover girl wore a white structured peplum skirt suit by Cushnie et Ochs. She added color with crimson Brian Atwood pumps, Kate Spade’s whimsical “Magazine” clutch and a fire opal ring by Yael.

And here’s a close-up of Yael 3.19ct diamond stud earrings that sparkled so beautifully on Kerry:

We could not tear our eyes away from the 84^th Annual Academy Awards Sunday night. With The Artist taking home the award for best picture, the glamour and style of old Hollywood was in the air. Big cuffs, elegant necklaces, bold colors and flowing feminine gowns were trending on the red carpet and we hope this high glamour trend lasts a long time.

Sparkling Cuffs

Continuing the trend from the Golden Globes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Penelope Ann Miller and Viola Davis all chose to accessorize their dresses with thick, glittering cuffs that had our jaws on the floor. This is a great alternative to stacking bracelets that puts a burst of sparkle and completes a true Oscar look. Some of our diamond cuffs and bracelets have been getting customers’ attention too.

Princess Necklace

Necklaces saw a come back on the red carpet after being completely absent for several years. And we’re glad to see them back! Diamond, princess length necklaces go nicely with strapless gowns. Ranging from Stephanie Sherk’s opulent piece to Cameron Diaz’s more conservative choice, we thought these necklaces were fabulous and just the right piece to complement their dresses. Check out our dazzling necklaces!

Wonderland of White

We think Milla Jovovich deserves an award for her snowy Elie Saab Couture gown. Rooney Mara has become a fashion trendsetter and she continues to wow in her Givenchy Couture ensemble. Best Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer is a vision in white in her Tadashi Shoji dress. Here are some of our white diamond earrings.

Bold Colors

Taking fashion to a brighter level Michelle Williams is absolutely lovely in her coral Louis Vuitton dress. Missi Pyle’s Valentina Delfino gown pops on the red carpet and her brooch is a burst of glitter in just the right spot. Emma Stone rocks her red Giambattista Valli Couture dress. Take a look at the bold pieces from our Lyra collection.

Flowing and Feminine

These talented beauties flow with grace and elegance in muted pastels. Maria Menounos’ green Maria Lucia Hoha gown is flattering and effortless. Stylish star Sarah Hyland makes this mauve Alberta Feretti dress look romantic and youthful. Penelope Cruz’s Giorgio Armani ensemble is soft and beautiful with her delicate jewelry fit for a princess. Here are some blushing earrings from our Aurora collection.

The star-studded 54^th Grammy Award Show was full of talent as well as beautiful jewelry and fabulous looks. With Adele taking home several, well deserved awards and the Foo Fighters cleaning up the rock music categories it was a night that celebrated hard work and amazing skill.  These ladies rocked the red carpet with beauty as stunning as their abilities.  We can’t help but be a little jealous!

The Deep V

Kelly Clarkson’s deep neckline and Grecian style dress is the perfect silhouette for her dazzling pendant.  Rihanna’s bold black gown shows off her figure and layers of long silver pendants.  Alicia Keys’ vibrant gold collar gives the illusion of a plunging neckline and adds an air of sophistication to her tailored black dress.  Here are some of our breathtaking pendants.

Dangling Earrings

Each of these lovely ladies chose jewelry that complemented their dress perfectly.  Carrie Underwood’s glittering diamond earrings play off her white gown and her dramatic eyes.  Kelly Rowland’s large, intricate earrings continue the vintage floral feel of her dress.  Kate Beckinsale’s jewelry drips with dark sparkle adding to her feminine, draping dress and high ponytail.  Check out our fabulous earrings.

Floral Prints

With Spring just around the corner flowing, floral prints make these beauties glow with grace.  Lily Aldrige, wife of Kings of Leon member Caleb Followill and soon-to-be-mother, looks radiant in this floral dress.  Michelle Trachtenberg’s plunging neck adds a sexy vibe to her feminine outfit.  Here are some of our floral inspired pieces.

Shimmering Nudes

Nothing speaks of feminine elegance more than a blushing nude dress. Miranda Lambert’s gown has a hint of sheen with its floral embroidery.  Kelly Osborne’s bright smile is the perfect addition to her glittering one-shouldered dress.  With an air of regal sophistication Taylor Swift’s gown sparkles with beauty and class.  We think some of our bracelets would be a great accessory for these amazing ladies.

Dazzling Evening Gowns

These glamorous ladies shine on the red carpet with daring, dark dresses and feminine poise.  Jessie J’s mermaid style gown shimmers with each step as she pulls out all the stops at the Grammys.  Julianne Hough’s dress is a mix of danger and beauty with slashes of glitter that show off her amazing figure. The night’s award winning diva Adele wears a gorgeous black dress that sparkles like a star.  The most beautiful accessories she wears are her ruby red smile and her proud air of confidence.  Take a look at some of our earrings, with just the right amount of smoldering mystery for these beauties.