SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
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
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
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.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
