Sponsored by Clientbook
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.

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.
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.
The Latest


It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.


The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

The pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.

The New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”