IndependentsAug 10, 2021
Shetler Expands Amid Acquisition of Medlars Jewel Masters IndependentsAug 18, 2021
Lee Michaels Has a New 10,000-Square-Foot Store on the Way
The independent retailer will move its New Orleans store to a new location, slated to open in the fall of 2022.
A sketch of the new 10,000-square-foot freestanding Lee Michaels store in Metairie, Louisiana, set to open in the fall of 2022
Metairie, La.—Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is expanding in Louisiana.
The retailer announced recently it has broken ground on a 10,000-square-foot store at the Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.
The new, freestanding location will be more than double the size of the current store, which is located inside the mall, allowing Lee Michaels to grow its market presence and add new merchandise lines.
The new store will have two entrances.
One will be for the fine jewelry section of the store which will include shop-in-shops of brands like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, and Mikimoto, as well as a bridal selection.
The other entrance will be for the watch section of the store, including a Rolex corner as well as Tudor and TAG Heuer spaces.
Related stories will be right here …
The retailer announced recently it has broken ground on a 10,000-square-foot store at the Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.
The new, freestanding location will be more than double the size of the current store, which is located inside the mall, allowing Lee Michaels to grow its market presence and add new merchandise lines.
The new store will have two entrances.
One will be for the fine jewelry section of the store which will include shop-in-shops of brands like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, and Mikimoto, as well as a bridal selection.
The other entrance will be for the watch section of the store, including a Rolex corner as well as Tudor and TAG Heuer spaces.
Lee Michaels said it expects to open its new location in the Lakeside Shopping Center, where it has been doing business for 25 years, in the fall of 2022.
Lee Michaels operates nine stores across four states, opening its most recent in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier this year.
The company is a member of both Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society, and is currently in the second generation of ownership and management, led by Ryan Berg, Scott Berg, and Chad Berg.
“We are constantly looking to innovate and grow. We have enjoyed our Lakeside location for the last 25 years, but it is time to enhance our customer experience and the environment in which they shop,” said Lee Michael Berg, founder and chairman of the board.
“We are excited not only for our customers to see the new store, but also for our sales associates, who are our greatest asset. This is just as exciting for many of them who have been with us for 20-plus years.”
More on Independents
The Latest
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
