PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
EditorsMar 18, 2011
Designer Spotlight: Pure Dead Brilliant
Designer Nora Logan has created Pure Dead Brilliant, a collection of jewelry that fuses elements of culture from around the world into inspiration and design. Nora has spent her life in major cities such as Hong Kong, London, and New...
Designer Nora Logan has created Pure Dead Brilliant, a collection of jewelry that fuses elements of culture from around the world into inspiration and design.
Nora has spent her life in major cities such as Hong Kong, London, and New York, and now lives in Bali. Using sterling silver, gold vermeil and brass, she’s taken the energy and pulse of these cities and transformed it into innovative jewelry that plays off originality and fun.
One of the most notable designs in pdb’s current collection are the Vespa pieces, an iconic image in the international transportation world and to Nora, a symbol of those who brave the streets, from one continent to another. The jeweler’s Zein earrings (below) are made in silver, gold vermeil and brass, retailing for $125, $155 and $88, respectively.
The collection’s transportation theme doesn’t limit itself to modern vehicles, either – pdb’s Steamboat Gilley necklace (below) pays homage the golden age of river traffic; the jewelry is available in silver ($250), gold vermeil ($275) and brass (price not specified). A fun addition to the necklace? The paddlewheels actually turn!
My favorite pieces in the collection are among those emblazoned with English and French expressions, especially the Chanja ring (below), a two-finger ring boasting the phrase “Yeah Buddy,” on the top’s flat surface. The ring marries the elegance of jewelry with a laid-back phrase that spans across continents, as I found while speaking with Nora--both our groups of friends are fond of the idiom, despite us inhabiting different continents.
The Griffa Hoops (below) are just a lot of fun – large hoop earrings with “Slug Life” stamped on the front and back. Inspired by the vivacity or sluggishness that lies within us, these earrings are made in silver or gold vermeil and retail for $130 and $175, respectively.
I’m very excited to see where Nora takes her future collections, based on her global perspective and the creativity illustrated in her current line. Check it all out at www.pdbjewelry.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
