Underwood’s Appoints Michael Richards as President
Clayton Bromberg will remain as chairman of the Florida jeweler.

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.
The Latest

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.


Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.

Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.























