AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
IndependentsSep 26, 2023
Sally Nelson, Founder of Exclusively Diamonds, Dies at 86
The former teacher, described as “a pioneer for women-owned businesses,” opened her own jewelry store in 1980.
Sally Nelson, the founder of Exclusively Diamonds, died earlier this month at the age of 86. She is remembered as an industry pioneer, a dedicated educator, and a devoted mother.
Mankato, Minn.—Sally Nelson, the founder of Exclusively Diamonds, died Sept. 16.
She was 86.
The Minnesota native grew up in Lyle, according to a local report. She was raised by her grandparents after losing her mother in a motorcycle accident when she was five months old.
In high school, she met her husband, Bob, and they married when Sally was 19, as per her online obituary. They went on to have two daughters, Sarah and Betsy.
Bob worked as a schoolteacher and Sally later joined him, earning her bachelor’s degree in education at 37. She specialized in speech pathology and special education.
Sally worked as a teacher for 14 years before she decided to turn her love of jewelry into a new career, cashing in her retirement account to get started.
After visiting several banks, she found one that agreed to loan her $45,000 at 21 percent interest.
“Sally was a pioneer for women-owned businesses. Sally prevailed throughout the challenges along the way,” said her obituary.
Her daughter, Sarah Person, shared memories of her mother in an interview with the Mankato Free Press.
“She cooked meals every night. We always ate dinner as a family,” said Person.
“Mom also worked at the Mankato Rehabilitation Center and tutored students after school and on weekends in our home. She would sit at our dining room table teaching kids to tell time, count money, helping children lose a lisp or not stutter.”
Nelson’s daughters joined their mother at the store in the mid-1980’s, according to the jeweler’s website, with Betsy working as an in-store goldsmith and Sarah as a part-time salesperson.
Betsy later moved away, and Sarah purchased the business when her other retired in 1998.
Upon retirement, Sally and her husband spent the winters in sunny Arizona, returning home for the summer.
The business has continued down the family line.
Sally’s granddaughter, Maria Brown, became vice president and co-owner of Exclusively Diamonds in 2018. Brown was recently included in Jewelers of America’s “20 Under 40” list and received the American Gem Society’s 2022 “Young Titleholder of the Year” award.
In a statement, American Gem Society CEO Katherine Bodoh said, “Exclusively Diamonds is a treasured AGS member and actively involved in the AGS community. Sally’s daughter, Sarah Person, is the chair of our Education Committee. Sally’s granddaughter, Maria Brown, is the current Chair of the Young Titleholders. The legacy Sally created lives on through these remarkable women.”
Sally was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah (Chris) Person and Betsy (Randy) Olson, her four grandchildren, and her eight great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service was held last week.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church of Mankato or youth organization My Place.
She was 86.
The Minnesota native grew up in Lyle, according to a local report. She was raised by her grandparents after losing her mother in a motorcycle accident when she was five months old.
In high school, she met her husband, Bob, and they married when Sally was 19, as per her online obituary. They went on to have two daughters, Sarah and Betsy.
Bob worked as a schoolteacher and Sally later joined him, earning her bachelor’s degree in education at 37. She specialized in speech pathology and special education.
Sally worked as a teacher for 14 years before she decided to turn her love of jewelry into a new career, cashing in her retirement account to get started.
After visiting several banks, she found one that agreed to loan her $45,000 at 21 percent interest.
“Sally was a pioneer for women-owned businesses. Sally prevailed throughout the challenges along the way,” said her obituary.
A newspaper ad for Exclusively Diamonds, circa the 1980s (Image courtesy of the Exclusively Diamonds website)
Her daughter, Sarah Person, shared memories of her mother in an interview with the Mankato Free Press.
“She cooked meals every night. We always ate dinner as a family,” said Person.
“Mom also worked at the Mankato Rehabilitation Center and tutored students after school and on weekends in our home. She would sit at our dining room table teaching kids to tell time, count money, helping children lose a lisp or not stutter.”
Nelson’s daughters joined their mother at the store in the mid-1980’s, according to the jeweler’s website, with Betsy working as an in-store goldsmith and Sarah as a part-time salesperson.
Betsy later moved away, and Sarah purchased the business when her other retired in 1998.
Upon retirement, Sally and her husband spent the winters in sunny Arizona, returning home for the summer.
The business has continued down the family line.
Sally’s granddaughter, Maria Brown, became vice president and co-owner of Exclusively Diamonds in 2018. Brown was recently included in Jewelers of America’s “20 Under 40” list and received the American Gem Society’s 2022 “Young Titleholder of the Year” award.
In a statement, American Gem Society CEO Katherine Bodoh said, “Exclusively Diamonds is a treasured AGS member and actively involved in the AGS community. Sally’s daughter, Sarah Person, is the chair of our Education Committee. Sally’s granddaughter, Maria Brown, is the current Chair of the Young Titleholders. The legacy Sally created lives on through these remarkable women.”
Sally was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah (Chris) Person and Betsy (Randy) Olson, her four grandchildren, and her eight great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service was held last week.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church of Mankato or youth organization My Place.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
