EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
IndependentsAug 09, 2016
Mervis Diamond’s mission: Cater to all couples
Mervis Diamonds has long been a supporter of the gay community, holding dedicated events and offering specialized bridal jewelry. Now, the company wants to bring all of its customers together as “one big happy family,” and is kicking off the idea with a trunk show.
Mervis has long been a supporter of the gay community, Chief Growth Officer Jonathan Mervis said. The store has exhibited at same-sex focused wedding shows in Washington, worked with gay and lesbian publications and media channels, and even launched its own line of same-sex wedding bands.
“When the discussions about gay marriage rights began, I saw the (laws) coming, so I came out with a line of same-sex wedding rings and threw a ‘coming out’ party, so to speak, to introduce it,” Mervis said. “A lot of members of the gay community attended, and were appreciative of the joke in there. Some couples bought rings but, more importantly, people remembered it for years.”
Word spread that Mervis Diamonds--which has locations in Tysons Corner, Va., Rockville, Md. and Washington--were gay-friendly, and the LGBT community was appreciative.
Mervis said he’s seen bridal jewelry purchases from same-sex couples run the gamut, from one man buying an engagement ring with a 2-carat yellow diamond for his boyfriend to another male couple opting for plain bands.
Two female customers once asked for two engagement rings and two bands, so each could wear a set. Another female couple wanted an engagement ring for one, and a band for the other.
“You have to be totally open and ask them what they’re looking for, it could be anything,” he said.
And whereas the store’s events previously catered specifically to the gay community, Mervis said he’s now moving to market the events to all kinds of couples.
“It’s important to me that we bring everyone together in one place as one big happy family,” he said. “We have a long and healthy relationship with the gay community in D.C., and if there’s anything we’ve heard over and over again it’s that people just want normalcy. Gay couples want to shop like any other couple. They wanted to be treated no better and no worse. They wanted to get married like any other couple, and so forth.”
Mervis said he initially wanted to call
the upcoming trunk show “Wedding Bands for Everyone” to reflect the store’s goals, but ultimately changed it to Spring Bling because not everyone is getting married, and all customers are welcome to attend and shop for any reason--a birthday, anniversary or graduation.
Mervis Diamond Importers’ Spring Bling trunk show will be held April 12 and 13 at all of its stores. Additional information can be found on the Mervis Diamond website.
Mervis Diamond Importers’ Spring Bling trunk show will be held April 12 and 13 at all of its stores. Additional information can be found on the Mervis Diamond website.
More on Independents
The Latest
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
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.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
