Majors

David Webb Has a New Owner

MajorsApr 08, 2025

David Webb Has a New Owner

The storied American jeweler also has named a new CEO.

David Webb necklace
A David Webb necklace in 18-karat gold and platinum featuring coral drops, cabochon sapphires, cabochon emeralds, and brilliant-cut diamonds. The New York-based jeweler has been acquired by private investment group Middle West Partners.
New York—David Webb has been acquired by private investment group Middle West Partners for an undisclosed amount.

Founded by David Webb in 1948, the brand is best known for its signature animal jewelry, as well as its intricate gold work and use of colored gemstones.

"We were drawn to David Webb because among luxury houses, David Webb truly stands alone. The extensive original archives and unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship—all deeply rooted in the house’s American heritage—made this an opportunity we simply couldn't overlook,” said Kevin Kelleher, managing partner of Middle West Partners.

“In our new stewardship, we feel a profound responsibility to honor our founder's vision, serve our loyal clients, and preserve the remarkable legacy of this iconic house."

Middle West Partners, founded in 2022, is an investment platform that focuses on consumer retail, sports, and entertainment.

David Webb’s previous owner, Mark Emanuel, acquired the company in 2010 alongside his business partner Robert Sadian, who is no longer involved in the business, as per a company spokesperson.

After Webb’s death in 1975, the business had been run by his partner Nina Silberstein and her family, who then sold it to Emanuel and Sadian.

The company was said to be in a rough financial state at the time, and the new owners had a lot of work to do to revive the brand.

Emanuel dove into the David Webb archives, full of sketches yet to become jewelry, for inspiration. He hired more master jewelers to create them, including some who had worked under Webb.

He also refreshed its retail footprint, opening a new flagship in New York in 2011 and moving the brand back into its original Beverly Hills, California, location in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in 2015.

The company also began wholesaling with major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

In 2017, the storied jewelry brand made its Couture debut, introducing pieces with entry-level price points as it looked to appeal to more retailers.

Post-acquisition, Emanuel will continue to hold a minority stake and have an active role in the company, according to its announcement.

Pop Capital, a New York-based private equity firm that specializes in the luxury market, co-invested with Middle West Partners in the transaction, with jewelry veteran Ray Simpson joining the David Webb board.

Tray of David Webb jewelry
A selection of David Webb jewelry loaned out for HBO’s “The White Lotus”


The investment group said it will take a careful, long-term view on growth, focusing on David Webb’s retail footprint, its marketing and events, and its team, while also supporting its existing customer relationships and personalized customer experience.

David Webb also has appointed a new CEO, James Weiss, who advised the business on this transaction and has worked with the company since 2017. Prior to his appointment, there was no official CEO.

“David Webb is an American treasure. Its unique design vocabulary, its heritage, its remarkable atelier, and its untapped archives provide an extraordinary foundation for continued growth,” said Weiss.

The jeweler’s workshop, archives, and flagship are located on Madison Avenue in New York City’s Upper East Side neighborhood.

It also has retail locations in Beverly Hills, California, and Doha, Qatar, with retail partnerships and activations worldwide.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Taylor Swift engagement ring Greenwich St
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds Edition

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

Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bracelet
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the Holidays

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

Fancy vivid purplish pink diamond
AuctionsOct 22, 2025
Pink Diamond, Vanderbilt Jewels to Headline Phillips’ Geneva Auction

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

BTYB10.25_Header.jpg
Brought to you by
Are Earrings an Overlooked Category? What Retailers Need to Know Now

As the holiday season quickly approaches, consider stocking one category that sometimes gets overlooked: earrings.

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 22, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

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

Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock by Tiffany High Jewelry Lariat
CollectionsOct 22, 2025
Tiffany & Co.’s ‘Bird on a Rock’ Finds New Perch

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

Jewelers for Children Halloween contest
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
JFC Kicks Off Halloween Costume Challenge

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

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (2) (1).jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Hillsborough show
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
Hillsborough Antique Show Gets New Owner

Recently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.

Bicolor pink and colorless diamond
GradingOct 21, 2025
GIA Examines Rare Bicolor Pink Diamond

The stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.

Grown Brilliance NYC Flagship Exterior
Lab-GrownOct 21, 2025
Grown Brilliance Opens First Flagship

The New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.

Douriean Fletcher Messenger Collection
Events & AwardsOct 21, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MAD

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Sothebys the glowing rose pink diamond
AuctionsOct 20, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 10-Carat Vivid Pink Diamond

Making its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.

2025_Gemfields logo.jpg
SourcingOct 20, 2025
2 Mozambique Police Officers Killed at Gemfields’ Ruby Mine

They were attacked on Oct. 15, as approximately 40 miners without licenses marched on the mine’s gate.

Empress Eugénie’s pearl and diamond tiara
CrimeOct 20, 2025
See the ‘Priceless’ Jewels Stolen During Daytime Heist at the Louvre

It took the masked thieves less than 10 minutes to steal eight irreplaceable jewels from two display cases in the museum’s Apollo Gallery.

Lauren Gayda
SourcingOct 20, 2025
Pristine Gems Names New Director of European Sales

Gemologist Lauren Gayda has previously worked at The Clear Cut, Taylor & Hart, and Effy Jewelry.

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsOct 17, 2025
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer will celebrate a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

The Edit – A Gallery of Italian Jewelry Masterpieces Graphic
Events & AwardsOct 17, 2025
An Edit of Italian Jewels Is Coming to NYC

The new showcase dedicated to Italian jewelry design is set for Oct. 29-30.

Judi Powers Jewelry Stella Earrings
TrendsOct 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Judi Powers Jewelry’s ‘Stella’ Earrings

Take a gaze at the sky with this pair of platinum diamond-set star earrings with blue lace agate drops.

Jeffrey Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
IndependentsOct 16, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Jeffrey Zimmer

Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.

Sothebys salon new bond street
AuctionsOct 16, 2025
Sotheby’s Introduces Custom Jewelry Service

The new high jewelry design and production process takes 30 days or less from concept to completion, the auction house said.

Foundrae United in Love Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 16, 2025
Foundrae Adds To ‘United in Love’ Collection

The brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Kathy Corey
IndependentsOct 15, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Kathy Corey

Corey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.

Colorado jeweler Peter Damian Arguello
CrimeOct 15, 2025
Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for 2023 Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Charles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.

Logo for Timepieces at Luxury
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
JCK, Luxury to Debut New Watch Section in Vegas Next Year

Timepieces at Luxury will take place at The Venetian and, like Luxury, will be invitation-only for the first two days.

Max Fawcett Claibourne Poindexter
AuctionsOct 15, 2025
Christie's Announces New Jewelry Department Leadership

The auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Tom Dixon

As chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy