Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.
Daniel Marks of I W Marks in Houston Dies at 52
The former co-owner of the Houston-based family-owned jeweler is remembered as a quick-witted family man.

He was 52.
A native of Houston, he was born on March 27, 1970, to Diane and Irving Marks.
He was a graduate of Texas A&M University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management.
Marks worked briefly in computer and car sales, but later joined the family jewelry business.
He met his wife, Susan Grushko, in 1990, and they married in 1995.
“He always loved to joke that Susan was a cougar because she was a month and three days older,” said his online obituary.
The pair raised two sons, William and Andrew Marks.
His sons were “the apples of his eye,” and Marks was happiest when spending time with them, watching sports, traveling, and playing fantasy football or video games.
He was described as their biggest fan and a devoted family man.

Marks co-owned the second-generation Houston jeweler with his brother, Bradley Marks, taking over after their father died in 2008. (The store, founded in 1978 by their parents, recently underwent a renovation.)
In 2014, Marks sold his share of the business to pursue his love of car sales, buying Custom Car Stereo, a store he’d frequented since his teenage years.
He was a natural salesman, said his online obituary, and his customers appreciated his easy-going personality and low-pressure approach to sales.
In addition to his love of cars, Marks loved sports and classic rock, especially the Eagles. He was also an amateur photographer, snapping pictures at his sons’ events.
He is remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, and for being “a generous soul that never said no to helping those he loved.”
In a Facebook post, I W Marks said: “He was an amazing photographer, had a love and passion for cars, a great sense of humor, and was a loyal and good friend to all that had the privilege of knowing him. “
Marks is survived by his wife Susan, their sons William and Andrew, and his “fur baby” Oreo, as well as his brother, Bradley, and his sisters-in-law, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A service was held, and also livestreamed, Thursday at The Proler Chapel at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, his family requested donations be made to a memorial fund set up in his name with the Spring Branch Education Foundation.
The Latest

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.


At Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

A new word appears on the dial each day of the week.

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

AGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.

The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.

Kendall Jenner once again is fronting the French brand’s campaign, joined by model and dancer Alton Mason.

The CEOs of Signet, Helzberg, and GIA spoke on a water conservation panel, and had lakes named in their companies’ honor.

Sales of the sleek sterling silver and diamond design will go to nonprofit organization charity: water.

Expected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.

With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.

Jewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.

Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI