Independents

Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73

IndependentsJul 01, 2025

Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

Elie Hannoush
Elias Abdallah Hannoush died in his hometown of Zahle in Lebanon on June 15.
Loudonville, N.Y.— Elias Abdallah Hannoush, the founder of Hannoush Jewelers, died in his hometown of Zahle in Lebanon on June 15.

He was 73.

Elie Hannoush, as he was known to many, was born on Jan. 24, 1952. He was the eldest of eight boys, all living in a one-bedroom home in Zahle.

At age 13, he left school to work as a jeweler’s apprentice to help support his family, and by age 17, he was a master goldsmith.

He dreamed of a life in America, but his father wouldn’t let him go alone.

In 1971, when Hannoush was 19, the family of 10 sold all their possessions and moved to the United States. He returned to Lebanon in 1973 to marry Georgette, and the two returned to America together.

Both came from large families and humble beginnings, according to his online obituary, so the pair was accustomed to budgeting carefully and raised their sons, Albert and David, with discipline and love.

The couple worked entry-level factory jobs and other various odd jobs, and Hannoush later opened a restaurant that served Lebanese food. He was known for his steak and cheese on Lebanese pita bread and, throughout his life, surprised his sons at work with fresh sandwiches.

In 1978, Hannoush started working as a bench jeweler at Kay Jewelers in Colonie Center, a shopping mall in Albany, New York.

However, the family was living in Springfield, Massachusetts, so he stayed in a motel across from the mall during the week and drove home on weekends. 

He grew quickly in his role, eventually handling repairs for Kay stores across New York and Vermont, as well as department stores like Service Merchandise and Present Company. He also began designing and selling his own jewelry.

In the 1980s, when Hannoush had saved enough money to open his own store, he established the first Hannoush Jewelers.

Today, the Hannoush Jewelers network includes more than 50 company-owned and franchised stores located throughout the U.S., according to the jeweler’s website.

Visiting his store felt like entering his home, his obituary said, and Hannoush greeted the thousands of people who came in with a warm handshake or a hug and kiss.

He regularly donned a perfectly tailored suit, a knotted tie, and polished shoes, and often reminded his sons, "The way you dress reflects how seriously you take your work." 

He loved working alongside his children. Albert joined him full-time while in high school. 

Hannoush taught them to listen closely to client conversations, observe vendor negotiations, learn how to select diamonds and gems, and to treat everyone with the same respect, because a lasting relationship mattered more than a quick sale. 

Multi-generational families continue to shop at Hannoush Jewelers with his sons.

Hannoush also adored his fifteen grandchildren and often boasted about their accomplishments. He had a unique bond with each one and took pride in instilling within them “a deep sense of their Lebanese heritage, the value of hard work in achieving success, and the belief that true happiness comes from helping others—not simply from material things.”

He was known to make early morning visits to his children's homes for coffee, spontaneous pancake breakfasts with the grandkids, harmless pranks, and stealing a taste of any sweet treat they happened to be holding.

Hannoush was a devout parishioner at St. Ann Maronite Catholic Church in Watervliet, New York, where he and Georgette regularly attended Sunday liturgy together, in the front pew. 

A charitable family, Elie and Georgette created the Michael David Hannoush Scholarship at St. Ann's in memory of their grandson Michael David. It is awarded annually to a high school graduate active in the parish. 

They also helped establish an endowment in his memory supporting the Pediatric ICU at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Although Hannoush loved the U.S. for the opportunities it provided, often reciting, "The U.S. is the greatest country in the world to build a life," he spent much of his retirement in his beloved hometown of Zahle.

There, he enjoyed his favorite pastries and continued helping those in need through funding for medication or medical procedures, distributing food during the holidays, or supporting churches and local charities.

“It is almost poetic that Elie's life ended where it began—not far from that one-bedroom home he left over 50 years ago,” his obituary says.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Georgette (Rahal); his four children, Albert (Mirvatte Eid), David (Diana Saliba), Janette Nammour (Naim), and Nadia Damouni (George); his fourteen grandchildren; and his seven brothers and their combined 34 children and dozens of grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his grandson Michael David; his parents Abdullah Elias and Souad (Hajnasr); and many aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Hannoush, Hajnasr, and Salameh families.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville on June 26, followed by interment at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, New York.

Those wishing to make a donation in Hannoush’s honor can do so via St. Ann Maronite Catholic Church’s website

To donate to the Hannoush Pediatric Care Endowment, visit the Albany Medical Center Foundation's website


Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

The Latest

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

September Hong Kong jewelry show
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong Show

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

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

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

Francesca Villa Fantasia Collection The Crab Pendant, The Mermaid Pendant, Keep Dancing Seahorse Pendant, Keep Dancing Ladybug Pendant, Secret Dreams Pendant, The Puffer Fish Takes Flight Pendant
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Breitling’s special Eagles Super Bowl watch on gold bracelet
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

Silvia Furmanovich Kasmir Collection Carnelian Bracelet and Sketch
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern India

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

A Vanitas by Hannah Martin and Guy Berryman Sothebys
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s London

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Cover of the book “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History”
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the Holidays

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

NY Now
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in August

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

Jeweler setting a diamond into a ring
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization Offerings

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

National Associate of Jewelry Appraisers Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go Virtual

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Jacquie Aiche graduated turquoise beaded necklace
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Lewis Heyman
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement Plans

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

CCWW Designs Multiple Shell Charm Necklace
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm Necklace

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The Plumb Club board members
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board Members

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Jewelry industry veterans Brad Campbell and John Liebler
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Guinness
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGov

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

Gina Ferranti
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

×

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