Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
IndependentsDec 14, 2021
Larry Abels, Founder of Selco Custom Time Corp, Dies at 82
He joined the Selco jewelry chain in the 1960s, eventually becoming president and selling the jewelry division to focus on watches.
Larry Abels, who joined Selco in the 1960s and built its focus on watches and clocks, died Sept. 21.
Tulsa, Okla.—Larry Abels, a longtime industry veteran and founder of Selco Custom Time, died Sept. 21 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 82.
Born to Ziprea “Zippy” Abels Massie and Jerome Abels of Healdton, Oklahoma on Feb. 11, 1939, Abels attended the University of Oklahoma, where he studied for three years before leaving to work in the family business.
He met his future wife, Felice Seligson Abels, the daughter of Jack and Eunice Seligson, as a teenager, and after years of courtship, the two decided to marry in 1960, right around the time Abels decided to join the family at work.
His father-in-law, Jack, was the founder of Selco, a regional jewelry store chain based out of Tulsa. Abels joined that business in 1962.
As his career grew there, so too did their family. They had three children: Jerome, Lisa, and Mark.
In 1976, Abels became president of Selco, working to expand and build the company.
He decided to sell the fine jewelry division, which consisted of 59 stores and salons, to Zales in 1980, allowing him to follow his passion and focus on watches and clocks, according to an obituary from Selco.
Abels devoted the rest of his career to growing the division while also maintaining its integrity as well as the trust of customers.
And while his focus was always on the company and his family life in Tulsa, the Abels also kept an eye on the future and prepared for their later years, Selco said.
They purchased a condo in Florida in 1989, a decision guided by Abels’ love of boating, water skiing, and being on the water.
In 1995, Abels and his wife became permanent residents of Florida, though he continued to successfully run the company until 2000, at which time he named his son Mark as president while he assumed the title of chairman of the board.
And as the active person he was, even his retirement didn’t seem like retirement.
His involvement with the company continued, as Abels regularly attended trade shows until 2019 and would counsel his son until his death.
He also loved traveling the world and spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids, and friends.
Abels is survived by his brother, Charles, and sister, Cheryl; children Jerome, Lisa, and Mark (Tami McBrier Abels); and grandchildren Keagan, Cody, Tiffany, and Parker.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step DownKellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
