ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
IndependentsJul 25, 2023
Designer Peter Brams Dies at 77
He is remembered as a talented jewelry designer, a dog lover, and a passionate art collector.
Designer Peter Brams.
New York— New York jewelry designer Peter Stanley Brams died on July 1.
He was 77.
Originally from New Hampshire, Brams attended Hamilton College in New York, and after graduation, moved to New York City, where he started a jewelry business as a designer and manufacturer.
Brams got his start in the jewelry industry in 1973 as an importer, and he began designing a few years later.
His firm Peter Brams Designs, Ltd. was founded in 1979 by him and his partner Abe Rosenberg. They concentrated on sterling silver and gold jewelry.
“We try to create what we think will become classics,” Brams said in a 1986 interview.
Before discovering his knack for jewelry, Brams was heavily interested in art, which influenced his designs. He often drew upon his art knowledge for references in creating his “contemporary classics.”
Brams was a collector’s collector, Steve Powers wrote for antiquesandthearts.com.
“He didn’t follow fashions and wasn’t swayed by what others were buying. He bought with an open mind, a discerning eye, and an adventurous heart.”
In the 1980s, Brams was buying contemporary art. From 1986-1987, Hamilton College exhibited his collection of works by Basquiat, Gilbert & George, Philip Taaffe and Milan Kunc at the Fred L. Emerson Gallery.
In the later part of the decade, Brams took an interest in Outsider Art and American folk art, amassing a deep and personal collection.
“His aesthetic was classic but left-of-center, and he appreciated modesty; things too perfect were predictable and often lacked ‘life’,” Powers wrote.
In 2001, Brams sold his folk art collection, and moved to Jackson Heights, New York, where, in his new, blank apartment, he took an interest in the carvings of the Woodlands people.
Brams sold the Woodlands collection in 2012 and returned to American folk and Outsider Art, acquiring a few key pieces that had escaped him in the 1990s.
“Brams was remarkably humble and would shy from any compliment thrown his way. Though his remarkable collecting journey amazed those around him, he would defer any personal credit that it was his instincts, education and heart that shaped his highly discerning collections,” Powers wrote.
He is remembered as a loyal friend, brother, and uncle. He often spoke of his happy childhood in New Hampshire and his love for his parents; his comfort is that he is buried with them, his younger sister and his dog Suzie in his hometown of Concord, Powers said.
A memorial service was held in the courtyard of Brams’ Jackson Heights building, where he found solace and inspiration. Contributions can be made in his honor to Hamilton College or the ASPCA.
He was 77.
Originally from New Hampshire, Brams attended Hamilton College in New York, and after graduation, moved to New York City, where he started a jewelry business as a designer and manufacturer.
Brams got his start in the jewelry industry in 1973 as an importer, and he began designing a few years later.
His firm Peter Brams Designs, Ltd. was founded in 1979 by him and his partner Abe Rosenberg. They concentrated on sterling silver and gold jewelry.
“We try to create what we think will become classics,” Brams said in a 1986 interview.
Before discovering his knack for jewelry, Brams was heavily interested in art, which influenced his designs. He often drew upon his art knowledge for references in creating his “contemporary classics.”
Brams was a collector’s collector, Steve Powers wrote for antiquesandthearts.com.
“He didn’t follow fashions and wasn’t swayed by what others were buying. He bought with an open mind, a discerning eye, and an adventurous heart.”
In the 1980s, Brams was buying contemporary art. From 1986-1987, Hamilton College exhibited his collection of works by Basquiat, Gilbert & George, Philip Taaffe and Milan Kunc at the Fred L. Emerson Gallery.
In the later part of the decade, Brams took an interest in Outsider Art and American folk art, amassing a deep and personal collection.
“His aesthetic was classic but left-of-center, and he appreciated modesty; things too perfect were predictable and often lacked ‘life’,” Powers wrote.
In 2001, Brams sold his folk art collection, and moved to Jackson Heights, New York, where, in his new, blank apartment, he took an interest in the carvings of the Woodlands people.
Brams sold the Woodlands collection in 2012 and returned to American folk and Outsider Art, acquiring a few key pieces that had escaped him in the 1990s.
“Brams was remarkably humble and would shy from any compliment thrown his way. Though his remarkable collecting journey amazed those around him, he would defer any personal credit that it was his instincts, education and heart that shaped his highly discerning collections,” Powers wrote.
He is remembered as a loyal friend, brother, and uncle. He often spoke of his happy childhood in New Hampshire and his love for his parents; his comfort is that he is buried with them, his younger sister and his dog Suzie in his hometown of Concord, Powers said.
A memorial service was held in the courtyard of Brams’ Jackson Heights building, where he found solace and inspiration. Contributions can be made in his honor to Hamilton College or the ASPCA.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
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.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
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.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
