TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
IndependentsAug 16, 2016
After Yelp posting comes down, jeweler drops case
Retailer George Pelz has dropped the libel lawsuit he filed against one Yelp user after he got what he wanted--the poster’s untrue review of his store removed from the website.
Boston--Jeweler George Pelz said he has dropped the libel lawsuit he filed against one Yelp user after he got what he wanted--the poster’s untrue review of his store removed and his store’s reputation restored on the website.
Pelz, who owns Pageo Jewelers with his sister Pam Lerner, had been battling Yelp and a reviewer who identified themselves as Linda G. from Boulder, Colo. since February, when Linda G. posted a one-star review slamming the store’s service and integrity that Pelz said was patently false.
After both Linda G. and Yelp refused to remove the post, Pelz took them both on, suing “Linda G. Doe” for libel and negligence in July and then dragging Yelp into court to try to force them to reveal Linda G.’s identity.
In September, he won his battle with Yelp. A Boston Municipal Court judge ordered Yelp to reveal what they knew about Linda G.
After receiving her real name from Yelp--which he declined to share with National Jeweler--Pelz said he did some digging into his company’s records and discovered that this woman had bought jewelry from him, but not in the quantities she claimed in her review. She also never sold him any jewelry, despite stating on the Yelp that Pelz “ripped [her] off” when she tried to sell back the jewelry she’d bought at his store.
What’s more, despite the fact that the review was posted Feb. 28, Linda G. hadn’t bought anything at Pageo Jewelers since Sept. 5, 2001, some 14 years ago.
Pelz said the store’s records show that this particular customer had a habit of buying a piece of jewelry, keeping it for a couple months and then returning it. After a few purchases and returns between December 1999 and September 2001, she quit coming into the store and he never really gave her a second thought.
Pelz, who has stores in Boston, Nantucket and Newton, said despite the aggravation Linda G.’s Yelp review caused him, he’s not interested in pursuing the libel lawsuit because he got what he wanted: her review is gone from the Yelp page for his Newton store and Yelp removed all the other one-star reviews that flooded his page after it became public that he was battling the popular review website in court.
The jeweler said he only went to court because he could not get any help from Yelp in
removing what he knew was an untrue review. After all, if any customer had spent as much money at his store as Linda G. claimed to have, he would have remembered them.
“My goal was to get that post down and it’s down,” he said. “As far as I am concerned, it’s over.”
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
