AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CrimeJul 22, 2024
Florida Jeweler Shot, Killed Following Argument With Customer
Ghazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
Ghazi Osta, better known as Gus, was the owner and president of Volusia Gold & Diamond, a store he and his wife, Leigh Osta, opened in 1986. He was shot and killed inside the store Friday afternoon after a brief argument with a regular customer. (Photo courtesy of Volusia Gold & Diamond Facebook page)
Daytona Beach, Fla.—The owner of Volusia Gold & Diamond in Daytona Beach, Florida, was shot and killed in his shop Friday following an argument with a customer.
In a statement released Friday, Daytona Beach police said John Willard Craiger, 83, entered the store before 1 p.m. and approached the victim, later publicly identified as Ghazi Michel Osta, while he was working behind the counter.
After a “brief verbal altercation,” Craiger, whom the Osta family described as a “frequent customer” at the store, pulled a small revolver out of the right-front pocket of his pants and shot Osta in the head.
According to the charging affidavit, surveillance footage viewed by police shows a witness, whom Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young publicly confirmed is an employee of the store, emerging from the back of the store and exchanging gunfire with the suspect before ducking behind the counter and crawling away.
Another witness, also a store employee, approached Craiger from behind and struck him in the head with what appears to be a small statue, the affidavit said.
He fell to the ground still clutching the revolver and was struck again, this time with a small brass-colored vase.
Craiger was shot multiple times in the legs and also sustained a head injury, police said. The two store employees were not injured.
He is being charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
In a statement released Friday, Daytona Beach police said John Willard Craiger, 83, entered the store before 1 p.m. and approached the victim, later publicly identified as Ghazi Michel Osta, while he was working behind the counter.
After a “brief verbal altercation,” Craiger, whom the Osta family described as a “frequent customer” at the store, pulled a small revolver out of the right-front pocket of his pants and shot Osta in the head.
According to the charging affidavit, surveillance footage viewed by police shows a witness, whom Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young publicly confirmed is an employee of the store, emerging from the back of the store and exchanging gunfire with the suspect before ducking behind the counter and crawling away.
Another witness, also a store employee, approached Craiger from behind and struck him in the head with what appears to be a small statue, the affidavit said.
He fell to the ground still clutching the revolver and was struck again, this time with a small brass-colored vase.
Craiger was shot multiple times in the legs and also sustained a head injury, police said. The two store employees were not injured.
He is being charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
A native of Lebanon who immigrated to the United States, Ghazi opened Volusia Gold & Diamond 38 years ago alongside his wife, Leigh Osta.
Together, they had four children: Sienna, David, Pavlina, and Fiona Osta.
Pavlina, a reporter for CBS58 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remembered her father in an Instagram post, writing in part, “He loved to joke and play and laugh. He was so silly and I loved to be silly with him. I miss him so, so much.”
Daughter Sienna organized a GoFundMe to help the family manage hospital and funeral expenses and navigate “a life ahead without Daddy.”
Known to many as Gus, the jeweler is described on the GoFundMe page as, “a loving father, brother, and friend to so many. He had the soul of a lion and always wore his heart on his sleeve.
“His energy, generosity, and passion for life could be felt by all those who came into contact with him. Our dad was always striving to help those around him. He loved his community, and they loved him back. He will be deeply missed.”
The page also called his son David a “hero,” as he was one of the witnesses who neutralized the shooter, saving himself and two other store employees.
As of Monday morning, donors had contributed a little over $3,000 to the GoFundMe.
Together, they had four children: Sienna, David, Pavlina, and Fiona Osta.
Pavlina, a reporter for CBS58 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remembered her father in an Instagram post, writing in part, “He loved to joke and play and laugh. He was so silly and I loved to be silly with him. I miss him so, so much.”
Daughter Sienna organized a GoFundMe to help the family manage hospital and funeral expenses and navigate “a life ahead without Daddy.”
Known to many as Gus, the jeweler is described on the GoFundMe page as, “a loving father, brother, and friend to so many. He had the soul of a lion and always wore his heart on his sleeve.
“His energy, generosity, and passion for life could be felt by all those who came into contact with him. Our dad was always striving to help those around him. He loved his community, and they loved him back. He will be deeply missed.”
The page also called his son David a “hero,” as he was one of the witnesses who neutralized the shooter, saving himself and two other store employees.
As of Monday morning, donors had contributed a little over $3,000 to the GoFundMe.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The Latest
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
