SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
IndependentsDec 05, 2022
Holocaust Survivor and Jeffrey Mann Jewelers Matriarch Rena Mann Dies
Mann, who opened the Ohio jewelry store with her husband and son in 1984, was 95.
Rena Mann, one of the co-founders of Jeffrey Mann Fine Jewelers in Toledo, Ohio, died last month at age 95.
Sylvania, Ohio—Renata “Rena” Mann, a Holocaust survivor who went on to live an amazing life, died Nov. 25 following a brief illness.
She was 95.
Rena was born on April 4, 1927, in Berlin, Germany, to the late Leon and Gertruda Wollstein.
She spent four years of her young life in concentration camps. Russian soldiers liberated the last camp she was in on the final day of the war.
Having lost both her parents and with nowhere else to go, Rena moved to Katowice, Poland—where her family had settled before the war started—and was reunited with her stepfather.
She eventually left Poland for London and lived there for several years before making her way to New York City via the RMS Queen Elizabeth.
It was in New York that she met her future husband, Alex Mann, on a blind date.
They married on June 25, 1953, and in 1958 relocated for Alex’s job to Toledo, Ohio, where they had two children, Gigi and Jeffrey Mann.
Alex worked in sales for Toledo Appliances Inc. for years before the couple realized their dream of owning their own business, opening Jeffrey Mann Fine Jewelers in 1984 alongside their son, then a manager and top sales associate at local chain Keidan’s Jewelers.
“My dad had a lot of confidence in me and my abilities, so the idea to open our own jewelry store was made,” Jeff said.
Alex ran the business, while Rena handled administration and Jeff took care of sales.
Rena retired a decade later, while Alex and Jeff continued to work together until Alex’s passing in February 2003. Gigi joined the family business as director of new business development along the way.
Rena is remembered as an eternal optimist who was tender, compassionate, and quick-witted.
She loved people, animals, and traveling, particularly her annual trips to Las Vegas, where she was perfectly content sitting in front of a slot machine with a bag of quarters.
Rena is survived by her daughter, Gigi (Gary) Lewis; her son, Jeffrey (Corrine) Mann; five grandchildren, Jason (Amanda) Lewis, Scott (Alyssa) Lewis, and Alexandria, Annsley, and Abigail Mann; and three great-grandchildren, Braydon, Colton, and Gianna Lewis.
Services were held Nov. 27 at Temple Shomer Emunim in Sylvania, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Temple Shomer Emunim, the Toledo Humane Society, or Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania.
She was 95.
Rena was born on April 4, 1927, in Berlin, Germany, to the late Leon and Gertruda Wollstein.
She spent four years of her young life in concentration camps. Russian soldiers liberated the last camp she was in on the final day of the war.
Having lost both her parents and with nowhere else to go, Rena moved to Katowice, Poland—where her family had settled before the war started—and was reunited with her stepfather.
She eventually left Poland for London and lived there for several years before making her way to New York City via the RMS Queen Elizabeth.
It was in New York that she met her future husband, Alex Mann, on a blind date.
They married on June 25, 1953, and in 1958 relocated for Alex’s job to Toledo, Ohio, where they had two children, Gigi and Jeffrey Mann.
Alex worked in sales for Toledo Appliances Inc. for years before the couple realized their dream of owning their own business, opening Jeffrey Mann Fine Jewelers in 1984 alongside their son, then a manager and top sales associate at local chain Keidan’s Jewelers.
“My dad had a lot of confidence in me and my abilities, so the idea to open our own jewelry store was made,” Jeff said.
Alex ran the business, while Rena handled administration and Jeff took care of sales.
Rena retired a decade later, while Alex and Jeff continued to work together until Alex’s passing in February 2003. Gigi joined the family business as director of new business development along the way.
Rena is remembered as an eternal optimist who was tender, compassionate, and quick-witted.
She loved people, animals, and traveling, particularly her annual trips to Las Vegas, where she was perfectly content sitting in front of a slot machine with a bag of quarters.
Rena is survived by her daughter, Gigi (Gary) Lewis; her son, Jeffrey (Corrine) Mann; five grandchildren, Jason (Amanda) Lewis, Scott (Alyssa) Lewis, and Alexandria, Annsley, and Abigail Mann; and three great-grandchildren, Braydon, Colton, and Gianna Lewis.
Services were held Nov. 27 at Temple Shomer Emunim in Sylvania, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Temple Shomer Emunim, the Toledo Humane Society, or Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
