CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
IndependentsJan 10, 2023
David Ellis, Legendary Jewelry Salesman, Dies at 85
He was remembered as a sharply dressed, quintessential southern gentleman with a talent for sales.
David Hollingsworth Ellis, a well-known jewelry salesman, died Dec. 28 following an illness.
Boone, N.C.—David Hollingsworth Ellis, a well-known jewelry industry salesman, died Dec. 28 following an illness.
He was 85.
Ellis was born on April 16, 1937 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to William Louis Ellis, Jr. and Elizabeth Ledbetter Ellis.
He was known as a “quintessential southern gentleman” with a “suave sophisticated demeanor,” as per his online obituary, but he treated everyone like family.
Ellis was a committed salesman, working for a variety of companies over his sixty-year career, including Citizen Watch and Frederick Goldman.
His warmth, honesty, and kindness contributed to his success.
Debbie Kordansky, owner of DM Kordansky in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, first met Ellis at a trade show and they remained friends over the years.
She remembered him as a man of integrity and recalled his distinct uniform, which was a suit and tie with French cuffs.
“Some people would consider that archaic, but for him, it was a way to show respect for his position in the industry and show respect to the stores he entered, as well as commanding respect for him.”
His jewelry industry career was inspired by his older cousin, William E. Thunbergs, who was raised by Ellis’ mother and was like a brother to him. Thunbergs would go on to be a vice president at store Jewel Box in Virginia.
Ellis’ six-decade-long career in the jewelry industry began in his hometown of Fayetteville. He got his start as a teenager, sweeping floors and wrapping gifts at a local jewelry store.
He married his wife, Dawn Amber, in 1974. They would go on to work together in the jewelry industry for nearly 40 years while raising three children.
Ellis began selling watch bands, and later worked for Seiko Time and Longines.
Ellis also worked for Citizen Watch, helping to introduce the brand to the U.S. He was one of the first Americans in the Japanese company’s office, said Dawn.
He also worked with Frederick Goldman, overseeing the southeast region, and moving his family back to his home state of North Carolina.
It was a long career, said Dawn, but he made a lot of friends along the way.
“Everybody and their brother knows David Ellis. I can assure you of that,” she said.
In the late 1990s, the couple owned jewelry distributor D and D. They later opened retail store Jewel Trends in downtown Jefferson, North Carolina, specializing in custom pieces.
The pair was a dream team.
Ellis was the charming salesman tending to the customers while Dawn took care of the “ugly things,” like bookkeeping and collecting money. She had a background in sales and government, working for the North Carolina General Assembly with the House of Representatives.
“He was very charismatic,” she said of her husband. “He was honest, dependable, loyal, all of those wonderful things.”
Ellis prided himself on putting his customers first.
“His word was his bond. Every client will tell you that he was customer-driven. He lived for his customers. They were his life. And they all know it,” she said.
“You could call him day or night with whatever problem you had and he would solve it. He did it because he loved [his customers]. He loved the industry.”
They shut the boutique in 2016 after realizing they could make more money on the road than in traditional retail.
Ellis, who never officially retired, and his wife traveled together on the road for the last 10 years.
That time in their lives, she said, was wonderful.
“We had a very unique relationship. He was my best friend. He was the love of my life. The reason our marriage worked is he would tell everyone that he loved me more than I loved him,” said Dawn.
“We were lucky enough to be in the glory days when salesmen helped other salesmen and jewelers helped other jewelers. We were a huge, wonderful family and, luckily, David was one of them that sat at the head of the table.”
He is survived by Dawn; his son, Michael Ellis and his fiancé Lisa Gunter; his daughter Audrey Elizabeth Ellis Pyon and her husband Sammy Pyon; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his sister Eunice Louise Hodge. He was preceded in death by his son, David Hollingsworth Ellis, Jr.
There will not be a service but he was laid to rest at a family plot in Fayetteville.
More on Independents
The Latest
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
