Sponsored by RapNet
William Mark Michaels of Michaels Jewelers Dies at 71
Michaels is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

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).
The Latest

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.


Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.





















