ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
MajorsJan 27, 2025
Le Vian Corp. Chairman Larry LeVian, a Man of Faith and Family, Dies at 73
LeVian is remembered for his leadership in the jewelry industry and for being a selfless and compassionate person.
Le Vian Chairman Lawrence (Larry) LeVian, seated in front with his mother, Pary LeVian, to his left and his wife, Angela LeVian, behind him, died of complications from Parkinson’s, the LeVian family announced last week. He was 73.
Great Neck, N.Y.—Lawrence LeVian, chairman of Le Vian Corp., has died of complications from Parkinson’s, a disease he battled for 25 years.
He was 73.
Born in 1951, he was the eldest son of Pary and the late Abdulrahim Ephraim LeVian, who founded the U.S. division of Le Vian after immigrating to the United States in 1950.
Lawrence, better known as Larry, started working at the family jewelry business in 1971 when he was 20 years old.
In a statement from the LeVian family shared with National Jeweler, Larry was described as a “visionary leader in the jewelry industry” who worked tirelessly to build a legacy of excellence and integrity while uplifting others.
Outside of work, his family said he was a pillar of the Mashadi and broader Jewish communities.
“Larry’s life was a testament to his values: selflessness, unity, and compassion,” the family statement reads.
“Everyone who knew him and met him was deeply touched by the amazing person he was.”
Larry is survived by his wife, Angela LeVian; children, Emilia Bassalian, Pamela Livian, Vanessa Livi, and Aaron LeVian; brothers Eddie LeVian and Moossa LeVian; and his sisters, Liza Etessami and Suzy Liviem.
He was flown to Israel Saturday night, accompanied by family, and his funeral took place in Har HaZeitim (The Mount of Olives) in Jerusalem, in keeping with his wishes to be buried in Israel.
The family will begin sitting shiva in New York on Monday, with details to be announced shortly.
Those wishing to honor Larry’s memory can donate to the Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry via check, Venmo, or credit card.
Checks should be made out to the United Mashadi Jewish Community of America (UMJCA) with “Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry” in the memo line and can be mailed to the Le Vian offices, 235 Great Neck Road, Great Neck NY, 11021.
Those wishing to pay via credit card can call 516-487-3636 and ask to donate to the Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry.
The family’s statement noted that Le Vian’s offices will be closed Monday, though trunk shows scheduled to take place across the country will continue as planned to “honor the dedication to excellence that Larry exemplified.”
He was 73.
Born in 1951, he was the eldest son of Pary and the late Abdulrahim Ephraim LeVian, who founded the U.S. division of Le Vian after immigrating to the United States in 1950.
Lawrence, better known as Larry, started working at the family jewelry business in 1971 when he was 20 years old.
In a statement from the LeVian family shared with National Jeweler, Larry was described as a “visionary leader in the jewelry industry” who worked tirelessly to build a legacy of excellence and integrity while uplifting others.
Outside of work, his family said he was a pillar of the Mashadi and broader Jewish communities.
“Larry’s life was a testament to his values: selflessness, unity, and compassion,” the family statement reads.
“Everyone who knew him and met him was deeply touched by the amazing person he was.”
Larry is survived by his wife, Angela LeVian; children, Emilia Bassalian, Pamela Livian, Vanessa Livi, and Aaron LeVian; brothers Eddie LeVian and Moossa LeVian; and his sisters, Liza Etessami and Suzy Liviem.
He was flown to Israel Saturday night, accompanied by family, and his funeral took place in Har HaZeitim (The Mount of Olives) in Jerusalem, in keeping with his wishes to be buried in Israel.
The family will begin sitting shiva in New York on Monday, with details to be announced shortly.
Those wishing to honor Larry’s memory can donate to the Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry via check, Venmo, or credit card.
Checks should be made out to the United Mashadi Jewish Community of America (UMJCA) with “Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry” in the memo line and can be mailed to the Le Vian offices, 235 Great Neck Road, Great Neck NY, 11021.
Those wishing to pay via credit card can call 516-487-3636 and ask to donate to the Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry.
The family’s statement noted that Le Vian’s offices will be closed Monday, though trunk shows scheduled to take place across the country will continue as planned to “honor the dedication to excellence that Larry exemplified.”
The Latest
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
NDC Designates April 8 as 'World Diamond Day'The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
