SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds in Boston, Massachusetts, died at the age of 95 on April 1. (Photo courtesy of Campbell Funeral Home)
Essex, Mass.—Alfred “Fred” W. DeScenza, owner and former president of DeScenza Diamonds in Boston, Massachusetts, died at the age of 95 on April 1.
He passed peacefully surrounded by his family, according to his online obituary.
DeScenza was born to Alfred F. DeScenza and Bertha DeScenza in June 1928.
He graduated from Medford High School and studied at the Gemological Institute of America, where he became a graduate gemologist before joining DeScenza Diamonds.
At the family business, he served as chairman of the board, president, treasurer, and diamond buyer.
He was a lifetime member of GIA, and a member of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, the American Gem Trade Association, and the now-defunct U.S. Carat Club.
“He was one of the first individuals to buy polished diamonds directly from DeBeers and was later invited by them to take a personal tour of the mines and operations in South Africa,” said his son, Tyler DeScenza.
DeScenza also served on the board of directors for U.S. Trust (now Bank of America Private Bank), DeScenza Diamonds, the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum, and Farmsteads of New England.
The family said his daughter Deborah DeScenza's eulogy included memories of her father “being the wind beneath her wings” as she founded Farmsteads of New England, a nonprofit designed to enhance the lives of young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
“Dad worked three days a week at the store in Boston, then came to New Hampshire and worked four days a week growing enormous quantities of veggies in two acres of garden space. People used to ask if he’d always farmed. No, but he said he’s always had a garden and he knew how to multiply,” said Deborah in her eulogy.
In 2010, DeScenza retired from the family business, passing it down to the next generation.
“He was a gentle giant of a man at 6 feet 6 inches, whose loyalty, integrity, and kindness were legendary,” said his daughter, Sheryl DeScenza Tracy.
DeScenza’s passions in life were skiing, gardening, boat building, vacationing with family, stopping anywhere for ice cream, cold water ocean swims, travel, dancing with his wife, driving convertibles, and helping to found Farmsteads of New England.
He was also one of the first landowners on Leavitt Bay in Ossipee, New Hampshire.
At the age of 19, he built a log cabin on that land, which the DeScenza family still enjoys to this day.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughters Sheryl, and her husband Kevin; Deborah; Diane, and her husband John; and Alison, and her husband Lucian; his son Tyler, and his wife Suzann; and 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
DeScenza was preceded in death by his sisters Ethel and Doris.
A funeral mass was held on April 8 at St. John the Baptist in Essex, followed by a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in DeScenza’s memory to Farmsteads of New England.
He passed peacefully surrounded by his family, according to his online obituary.
DeScenza was born to Alfred F. DeScenza and Bertha DeScenza in June 1928.
He graduated from Medford High School and studied at the Gemological Institute of America, where he became a graduate gemologist before joining DeScenza Diamonds.
At the family business, he served as chairman of the board, president, treasurer, and diamond buyer.
He was a lifetime member of GIA, and a member of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, the American Gem Trade Association, and the now-defunct U.S. Carat Club.
“He was one of the first individuals to buy polished diamonds directly from DeBeers and was later invited by them to take a personal tour of the mines and operations in South Africa,” said his son, Tyler DeScenza.
DeScenza also served on the board of directors for U.S. Trust (now Bank of America Private Bank), DeScenza Diamonds, the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum, and Farmsteads of New England.
The family said his daughter Deborah DeScenza's eulogy included memories of her father “being the wind beneath her wings” as she founded Farmsteads of New England, a nonprofit designed to enhance the lives of young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
“Dad worked three days a week at the store in Boston, then came to New Hampshire and worked four days a week growing enormous quantities of veggies in two acres of garden space. People used to ask if he’d always farmed. No, but he said he’s always had a garden and he knew how to multiply,” said Deborah in her eulogy.
In 2010, DeScenza retired from the family business, passing it down to the next generation.
“He was a gentle giant of a man at 6 feet 6 inches, whose loyalty, integrity, and kindness were legendary,” said his daughter, Sheryl DeScenza Tracy.
DeScenza’s passions in life were skiing, gardening, boat building, vacationing with family, stopping anywhere for ice cream, cold water ocean swims, travel, dancing with his wife, driving convertibles, and helping to found Farmsteads of New England.
He was also one of the first landowners on Leavitt Bay in Ossipee, New Hampshire.
At the age of 19, he built a log cabin on that land, which the DeScenza family still enjoys to this day.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughters Sheryl, and her husband Kevin; Deborah; Diane, and her husband John; and Alison, and her husband Lucian; his son Tyler, and his wife Suzann; and 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
DeScenza was preceded in death by his sisters Ethel and Doris.
A funeral mass was held on April 8 at St. John the Baptist in Essex, followed by a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in DeScenza’s memory to Farmsteads of New England.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
