IndependentsJul 03, 2024
William Jones IV Promoted to President of Sissy’s Log CabinIndependentsJul 08, 2024
Underwood’s Appoints Michael Richards as President
Clayton Bromberg will remain as chairman of the Florida jeweler.
Michael Richards (left) has taken on the role of president at Underwood’s, succeeding Clayton Bromberg, who will serve as chairman.
Jacksonville, Fla.—Florida jeweler Underwood’s has named a new chairman.
Clayton Bromberg, a sixth-generation jeweler who has served as chairman and president since 1988, has transitioned to chairman, passing the president title to Michael Richards.
Bromberg’s time at Underwood’s “has been marked by exceptional growth and a steadfast commitment to quality and customer service,” said the company.
As chairman, Bromberg will remain active in the business, including in the areas of strategic direction, merchandising, diamond buying, and inventory procurement.
In Richards’ new role as president, he will be tasked with managing the daily operations as well as the overall corporate culture, vision, and operational functions.
Richards joined Underwood’s as a store manager more than 30 years ago.
His jewelry career began in high school, working at Harper’s Jewelry while taking classes at the Gemological Institute of America.
After high school, he worked at T. K. Dodrill Jewelers and earned a business management degree at Marshall University.
He joined Underwood’s in 1990 as a store manager, earning the title of Certified Gemologist in 1991.
In 2008, Richards was promoted to vice president, and then in 2018, to chief operating officer.
He has held notable roles in the jewelry industry, including vice president of the Jeweler Vigilance Committee and president of the American Gem Society Board from 2020 to 2022.
“In the past three decades, Michael’s expertise and passion for the jewelry industry, along with his achievements in leadership outside of the business, make him the ideal leader for Underwood’s,” said Bromberg.
Richards took a more active role in the business in 2020, said Bromberg, adding it was a natural progression to name him president.
“I am very proud of the leader he has become and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive under his direction,” said Bromberg.
Related stories will be right here …
Clayton Bromberg, a sixth-generation jeweler who has served as chairman and president since 1988, has transitioned to chairman, passing the president title to Michael Richards.
Bromberg’s time at Underwood’s “has been marked by exceptional growth and a steadfast commitment to quality and customer service,” said the company.
As chairman, Bromberg will remain active in the business, including in the areas of strategic direction, merchandising, diamond buying, and inventory procurement.
In Richards’ new role as president, he will be tasked with managing the daily operations as well as the overall corporate culture, vision, and operational functions.
Richards joined Underwood’s as a store manager more than 30 years ago.
His jewelry career began in high school, working at Harper’s Jewelry while taking classes at the Gemological Institute of America.
After high school, he worked at T. K. Dodrill Jewelers and earned a business management degree at Marshall University.
He joined Underwood’s in 1990 as a store manager, earning the title of Certified Gemologist in 1991.
In 2008, Richards was promoted to vice president, and then in 2018, to chief operating officer.
He has held notable roles in the jewelry industry, including vice president of the Jeweler Vigilance Committee and president of the American Gem Society Board from 2020 to 2022.
“In the past three decades, Michael’s expertise and passion for the jewelry industry, along with his achievements in leadership outside of the business, make him the ideal leader for Underwood’s,” said Bromberg.
Richards took a more active role in the business in 2020, said Bromberg, adding it was a natural progression to name him president.
“I am very proud of the leader he has become and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive under his direction,” said Bromberg.
Richards shared his excitement to take on the new role.
“I am honored to step into the role of president and continue the legacy of excellence that Underwood’s is known for,” he said.
“Our commitment to quality in materials, craftsmanship, design, presentation, education, and service will remain our guiding principles as we move forward.”
Richards lauded Bromberg’s dedication to the business and their customers, as well as his role as a mentor to Richards and other staff members, describing him as “a respected figure in the industry and a pillar in our community.”
Underwood Jewelers was founded in 1928 in Palatka, Florida by Herbert F. Underwood.
He would later sell the business to family jeweler Bromberg and Company in 1974, who founded its own store in Alabama in 1836. It now operates three stores in Florida.
Underwood worked alongside Frank Bromberg on the day-to-day operations, transitioning to a part time basis in 1980 until his death in 1999, helping to train Clayton Bromberg.
Bromberg has played an active role in the jewelry industry throughout his career, serving as the president of the American Gem Society from 1995 to 1997 and on various boards, including Jewelers of America, AGS, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and the Florida Jewelers Association.
He has been honored with the American Gem Society Robert M. Shipley Award in 2004, the American Gem Society Triple Zero Award in 2013, and the Women’s Jewelry Association Ben Kaiser Award in 2015.
Bromberg was also inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 2003.
"As we look ahead to the next 10 years and embark on this new chapter, I am excited about the opportunities ahead for Underwood’s," said Bromberg.
"We will continue to innovate while staying true to the principles that have made us a trusted name in jewelry for nearly a century.
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
