CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
IndependentsOct 28, 2016
About Retail: Surviving a Century
A 100th anniversary is not a milestone many retailers reach, making it certainly something worth celebrating. National Jeweler recently talked to three jewelers who will mark a century in business this year to learn more about the keys to success and what they’re doing to keep going.
New York--When one thinks of all the major events of the last 100 years, it makes a store’s survival through all the ups and down--two world wars, the Great Depression, the recent recession and everything in between--even more impressive.
And while it’s likely that any of those who can boast 100 years in existence would say that it was by no means easy, what emerges from that history is a wealth of valuable lessons learned.
From left, Jeff Corey, Kathy Corey and David Davidson, the original founder of Day’s, in 1988, when the Coreys purchased the Day’s Corporation from the Davidson family.
National Jeweler recently spoke with three jewelers whose stores are marking 100 (or more) years in business in 2014 to get an idea of how they made it through a century and what they would tell other jewelers looking to do the same.
Creating a community
Rather than referring to a store or a number of stores, Jeff Corey of Day’s Jewelers talks about it as an “organization,” with a unifying set of core values that work to build a company “that stands the test of time.”
Day’s was originally founded in 1914 as a small pawn shop in Portland, Maine by Captain Harry Davidson, who had to leave life at sea due to illness. He was joined in time by his three sons, and over the years the family established 21 stores across New England.
In 1988, the remaining owners of Day’s, Sidney and David Davidson, decided to sell the business, to current owners Jeff, Jim, and Kathy Corey, and Mark Ford. Jeff and Jim’s father had worked for the Davidsons before, and had taught his children the Day’s culture and values.
Today, Day’s operates six stores throughout New England, where they combine the skills and knowledge that have been part of Day’s since the start with modern technology.
The ideals that the company teaches to employees include providing everyone with the opportunity to own fine jewelry through a range of products and price ranges, providing the best value in both goods and services, and viewing customers’ jewelry beyond just monetary value, taking into account sentimental value, Corey says.
To ensure a lasting future, the company is also adapting to the world of technology, including a focus on its website, which features thousands of items and is updated regularly to remove those that are no longer available.
Day’s is also creating a company environment that gives a voice to all its employees.
“We’re a company that trusts people,” Corey says. “Our employees are given the authority to make their own decisions across the company. If we’re going to be successful, we need to find a way to tap into the mind of every individual in our company, and that’s not always an easy task. Mistakes are made, and we use that as part of the learning process.”
Building on the past
Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City, Okla. took a chance in 1990 when it consolidated its three existing locations into one 12,000-square-foot “superstore,” as CEO Gary Gordon refers to it.
The company quickly benefited from the wide selection that could be presented to customers, as well as the ability of leadership to always be on-site and available, leading the store into a new era.
Founded in 1904 and celebrating 110 years in business this year, the jeweler is now under control of the third generation of Gordons.
“Throughout all of it, the reason we’re still going is that we’ve always had great watches to sell,” Gordon says. “There wouldn’t be a store today without watches. The bridal department is physically the largest in our store now and we’ve built a background in diamonds and engagement rings, and the watch department is not quite as important as it used to be, but it more than made up for it in the past.”
With all the personal technology that many consumers may use to keep track of time these days, watches have “take on another life,” Gordon says, noting that many of the people he sells to now are wearing them to express their style or make a fashion statement.
The company developed a plan some 10 years ago to promote more aggressively, including advertising at bridal events.
Gordon notes that they also focus on a “healthy mix” of advertising and promotions on their social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter, as well as classic advertising in the newspaper, on billboards and on television.
“We’ve enjoyed modest growth every year since the recession,” Gordon says. “We are very careful and mindful of having the right lines for our customers. We have highly trained sales people and we try to keep everybody fresh on industry news.”
When looking back at his experience and what he’s learned, Gordon says, “My advice to any retailer is this: Take care of your customers, your employees, your vendors and yourself, and everything else will pretty much fall into place.”
All in the family
Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., has seen three generations of the Newton family at the helm, and is still managed by the same set of core values with which it was started.
Founded by George Newton in 1914, the store continued on through Bill Newton and Kelly Newton, who currently runs it.
“We always maintained high quality and honesty,” Newton says. “My grandfather was a stickler for telling the truth, and it stuck. That’s how he made everyone run the business.”
Newton adds that one of the major changes the store has seen over time is that they depend more on the volume of sales rather than on pieces generating higher profit these days.
Just as is the case with Samuel Gordon Jewelers, the engagement ring business is a large part of the store’s business. Newton adds that Rolex watches have been extremely important for the company throughout its history and remain strong sellers.
Newton’s Jewelers has begun putting more emphasis on social media. While they still do traditional ads, they’ve trimmed the budget in that area and it’s had little effect on sales, according to Newton.
The advent of technology and the new platforms that are available to jewelers has made the industry vastly different from what it was when the store was founded. But by embracing the changes the company has been able to navigate the years successfully.
“Nothing replaces hard work,” Newton says. “You have to work hard because this business is ever-changing. You have to be smart, work hard and stay open to change and suggestions. And most of all stay true to the philosophy of the business. You have to decide up front what that will be and stick with it.”
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and FocusNow called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
