AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
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.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
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.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
