IndependentsFeb 09, 2023
Connecticut Jeweler Celebrates 75 Years With a Host of EventsIndependentsFeb 17, 2023
Indiana Jeweler Marries Four Couples at Its Store
The annual tradition is an invitation for non-traditional wedding lovers, like this year’s couple who got hitched wearing T. rex suits.
Emily Briney and Derek Keilman from Demotte, Indiana skipped the gown and tuxedo in favor of Tyrannosaurus rex costumes at their jewelry store nuptials hosted by Albert’s Diamond Jewelers.
Schererville, Ind.—Jewelry stores can hook their customers up with engagement rings, but Albert’s Diamond Jewelers helps get them married, too.
The fine jewelry retailer in Schererville, Indiana, a town about 40 miles outside of Chicago, married four couples this week during its annual Valentine’s Day slate of weddings.
The tradition was inspired by owners Fred and Donna Halpern, who renewed their vows at the store 25 years ago at the original East Chicago, Indiana location to celebrate 30 years of marriage.
Called the “I Do” event, Albert’s hosts other couples tying the knot each year on Valentine’s Day.
One couple, Emily Briney and Derek Keilman from Demotte, Indiana, made the occasion special, indeed, walking down the aisle in matching dinosaur costumes.
“Today, we’re also celebrating my parents’ anniversary, which is how this whole thing started,” said Albert’s Diamond Jewelers President and Owner Joshua Halpern.
Magistrate Jeffery Miller officiated the four Valentine’s Day weddings this year. Albert’s provided a cake from Strack & Van Til and flowers by Denise Floral Designs.
“We’re so glad to be able to have weddings in our store again,” Halpern said.
“There are some very special stories here today and we’re honored to be a part of these couples’ journey.”
Related stories will be right here …
The fine jewelry retailer in Schererville, Indiana, a town about 40 miles outside of Chicago, married four couples this week during its annual Valentine’s Day slate of weddings.
The tradition was inspired by owners Fred and Donna Halpern, who renewed their vows at the store 25 years ago at the original East Chicago, Indiana location to celebrate 30 years of marriage.
Called the “I Do” event, Albert’s hosts other couples tying the knot each year on Valentine’s Day.
One couple, Emily Briney and Derek Keilman from Demotte, Indiana, made the occasion special, indeed, walking down the aisle in matching dinosaur costumes.
“Today, we’re also celebrating my parents’ anniversary, which is how this whole thing started,” said Albert’s Diamond Jewelers President and Owner Joshua Halpern.
Magistrate Jeffery Miller officiated the four Valentine’s Day weddings this year. Albert’s provided a cake from Strack & Van Til and flowers by Denise Floral Designs.
“We’re so glad to be able to have weddings in our store again,” Halpern said.
“There are some very special stories here today and we’re honored to be a part of these couples’ journey.”
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet RingIt's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEOThe brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are … Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2MThe rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With LavalierThe diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design AtelierDiscover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las VegasThe “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership TeamTwo existing executives have been given new roles.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship RecipientMeredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsIt will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 SessionsFrom design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into GoldThe designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.
