The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.

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.
The Latest

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.


Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.