AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
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.
More on Crime
The Latest
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
