Shay Jewelry’s New Zar Capsule Puts 18k Gold Front and Center

By Victoria Gomelsky | September 30, 2026

The new Zar collection from Shay Jewelry, a gold-centric brand founded by Ladan and Tanaz Shayan, a mother-daughter duo in Los Angeles, does double duty: Not only does the 13-piece capsule pay homage to the family’s Persian heritage (zar means gold in Farsi), it also honors Shay’s longstanding commitment to 18k—pricing be damned.

Shay Zar diamond earrings — *Zar ear studs in 18k gold with 0.6 ct. t.w. diamonds, $9,700*

“Following the success of our core collection, we’ve put more focus on storytelling with each new capsule,” Tanaz tells JCK. “It allows us to share something more personal about what inspired the designs and connect with people looking for pieces that feel distinctive and considered.”

Shay Zar diamond bracelet — *Zar bracelet in 18k gold with 2.9 cts. t.w. diamonds, $29,500*

Even though gold is down from its peak of $5,589 in January, the precious metal is, at $4,300 per ounce, still at historic highs. The Shayans, however, didn’t hesitate to craft the Zar capsule in 18k; their choice reflects a deliberate approach to market positioning.

Shay Zar emerald diamond ring — *Zar ring in 18k gold with 1.52 ct. emerald and 0.32 ct. t.w. diamonds, $8,800*

“We see it as staying true to who we are,” Tanaz says. “We’ve always worked in 18k gold because the quality of the materials matters to us, but also because of what we can create with it. We want our pieces to feel personal and lasting, the kind of jewelry that becomes an heirloom. Zar gave us the opportunity to put the gold itself at the center of that idea.”

Ranging from $1,650 for the emerald bezel Zar ear cuff to $55,000 for the diamond Zar necklace, the collection features architectural gold forms set with natural diamonds and emeralds.

Shay Zar emerald ear cuff — *Zar ear cuff in 18k gold with 0.61 ct. emerald, $1,650*

“When we imagined Zar, we were drawn to the idea of gold in its most natural, free-form expression,” she says. “We wanted the stones to share that feeling, and emeralds felt instinctively right. Their natural character, alongside the light of diamonds, complements the gold without taking the focus away from it.”

Shay Zar emerald diamond bezel ring — *Zar bezel ring in 18k gold with 1.61 ct. emerald and 0.44 ct. t.w. diamonds, $10,800*

The women highlighted the emerald and diamond bezel Zar ring as one of their favorite examples: “The diamonds and emeralds bring color and light, but the shape and polished surface of the gold draw your eye first,” Tanaz says. “We wanted the gold to have its own presence, rather than simply serve as a setting for the stones.”

Top: Zar necklace in 18k gold with 5.48 cts. t.w. emeralds and 1.91 cts. t.w. diamonds, $38,000; Shay Jewelry