The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
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.

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.
The Latest

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Sponsored by Clientbook


It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

The pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.