ColumnistsFeb 19, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
IndependentsFeb 17, 2023
William Mark Michaels of Michaels Jewelers Dies at 71
Michaels is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
William Mark Michaels, former CEO and owner of the Michaels Jewelers chain, died Jan. 2 at the age of 71.
Bonita Springs, Fla.—William Mark Michaels, the former CEO and owner of the Michaels Jewelers chain, died Jan. 2.
He was 71.
Michaels was a longtime member of the jewelry industry, getting his start as a buyer at the family business, later working his way up to running the Connecticut-based chain.
The company has 10 locations across the state.
“He loved going to JCK and other industry shows and truly dedicated his life to Michaels Jewelers,” said his daughter, Lindsay Michaels-Gorski.
The Michaels family owned and operated Michaels Jewelers from 1885 until 2019, when they sold it to Camile Hannoush of Hannoush Jewelers.
After the sale, Michaels stayed on as a consultant. He switched gears to focus on the family’s secondary business as a franchise owner of 11 Pandora stores.
He renamed the company The Michaels Group, teaming up with his daughters Lindsay, the vice president of marketing and sales, and Brittany, the chief operating officer.
“It was really wonderful to have worked alongside my dad for nearly 10 years,” said Michaels-Gorski.
When he wasn’t working in the family business, Michaels enjoyed music, golf, spending time with his friends, and boating in Maine.
He was remembered in his online obituary as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Rose; daughters Brittany and Lindsay; sons-in-law, Dan and Dmitriy; granddaughter Kamila Rose; and brother Irving (Mickey).
He was 71.
Michaels was a longtime member of the jewelry industry, getting his start as a buyer at the family business, later working his way up to running the Connecticut-based chain.
The company has 10 locations across the state.
“He loved going to JCK and other industry shows and truly dedicated his life to Michaels Jewelers,” said his daughter, Lindsay Michaels-Gorski.
The Michaels family owned and operated Michaels Jewelers from 1885 until 2019, when they sold it to Camile Hannoush of Hannoush Jewelers.
After the sale, Michaels stayed on as a consultant. He switched gears to focus on the family’s secondary business as a franchise owner of 11 Pandora stores.
He renamed the company The Michaels Group, teaming up with his daughters Lindsay, the vice president of marketing and sales, and Brittany, the chief operating officer.
“It was really wonderful to have worked alongside my dad for nearly 10 years,” said Michaels-Gorski.
When he wasn’t working in the family business, Michaels enjoyed music, golf, spending time with his friends, and boating in Maine.
He was remembered in his online obituary as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Rose; daughters Brittany and Lindsay; sons-in-law, Dan and Dmitriy; granddaughter Kamila Rose; and brother Irving (Mickey).
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
