Majors

Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96

MajorsApr 10, 2025

Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96

LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.

Pary LeVian
Pary was the wife of Abdulrahim LeVian, who started LeVian Corp., and the mother of Eddie LeVian, who is the company’s current CEO. She is survived by 89 direct descendants.
Great Neck, N.Y.—Pary LeVian, wife of LeVian Corp. founder Abdulrahim LeVian and mother of CEO Eddie LeVian, died on April 8.

She was 96.

Pary was born to Yitzhak and Miriam Etessami in 1929.

She looked to her mother’s service during a 1930s pandemic as an inspiration of courage and kindness throughout her life, and to her grandfather, for his work as a historian to give her a deep reverence for tradition, truth, and the preservation of legacy.

In a statement from the LeVian family shared with National Jeweler, Pary was described as a matriarch dedicated to her faith, family, and service.

Throughout her life, she was known for opening her home to those in need and supporting countless individuals and families.

She was raised in a family grounded in compassion, leadership, and unwavering faith, and has shaped the LeVian family with her wisdom, grace, and tireless generosity, said the family.

“Pary’s unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others has left an indelible mark on all who knew her,” said the LeVian Family.

“Her legacy of kindness and hospitality continues to inspire all who were touched by her life.”

Pary was preceded in death by her husband Abdulrahim and son Lawrence LeVian.

She is survived by her sons, Eddie and Moossa LeVian, and her daughters, Liz Etessami and Suzy Liviem, who are among her 89 direct living descendants.

Pary’s funeral took place Tuesday. The LeVian family will be sitting shiva through Thursday evening.

Those wishing to honor Pary’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 at 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 on Friday to recognize Pary’s “extraordinary life and immeasurable contributions.”

Natalie Franciscois the associate editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering designers, trends, and new collections.

The Latest

Karl Getschel and Bob Yanega of Smyth Jewelers
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth Location

The family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy

Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.

Paul Morelli Wavey Vine Earrings
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace Color

The reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Cover.jpg
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Two Pandora Talisman pendants
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Fall

In the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.

Cuckoo Cuckoo Cadbury Conundrum egg
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction Record

The 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Picture of 2,488 carat rough diamond next to tweezers, a golf ball, and a loupe
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner

Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.

John Hardy Heishi Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with Color

The expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.

Jean Dousset Westfield Valley Fair
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third Store

The lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.

Legacy emerald
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’

The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.

Surveillance image of jewelry thieves
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap Scheme

Two suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.

The Finsch Diamond Mine in South Africa, owned by Petra Diamonds Ltd.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to Close

Finsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.

Stock image of gavel, handcuffs, and law books
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of Boss

Michel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.

Verdura unicorn brooch
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction

The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.

Richard Moore
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69

Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen Z

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.

NAJA logo
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual Conference

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.

Honest Hands Workbench Ring Builder
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built Himself

Honest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.

QVC Group logo
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEO

QVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.

State Property Lorenz Station Bracelet
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ Collection

The brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.

Ostbye receiving Vendor of the Year trophy at 2026 IJO show
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is …

Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (2).png
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Blue Nile President Pamela Cloud
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue Nile

Cloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.

Paulo Garcia
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO

Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.

Etsy office Dumbo Brooklyn
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of Workforce

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

×

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