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.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65
She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
Nina Pugliese, who worked at Henne Jewelers for more than 46 years, died on Sept. 25 at the age of 65.
Pittsburgh, Penn.—Nina Pugliese, a longtime employee of Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died Sept. 25 at the age of 65 due to brain cancer.
Pugliese joined the family-owned jeweler in 1978 at 18 years old, working in sales under the late third-generation jeweler Jack Henne.
She worked for the retailer for more than 46 years, rising through the ranks as a top sales associate, a jewelry buyer, and a designer.
Pugliese designed the jeweler’s in-store displays and curated jewelry collections in her role as a buyer, for which she traveled across the U.S.
She created custom designs for customers and also had her own signature line, “Exclusively by Nina,” sold only at Henne Jewelers.
Pugliese also lent her creative talents to interior and floral design, as per her online obituary.
“Her artistry, eye for quality, and devotion to customers set a standard of excellence that shaped the store’s identity,” said the company.
Pugliese is remembered for her vibrant personality and generous spirit. She always greeted her colleagues and customers with a smile, said the jeweler.
Outside of work, she devoted herself to charity causes, including supporting children and local charities and ministries.
“Her faith was central to her life, and she lived it with grace, kindness, and joy,” said the retailer.
John G. Henne, fourth-generation owner of Henne Jewelers, shared his memories of Pugliese.
“Nina wasn’t just a colleague; she was family,” he said. “Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of our business. She touched thousands of lives with her warmth, her talent, and her faith.
“Nina would spontaneously burst into song, style your jewelry in a way that made you feel extraordinary, share a dessert with you (she had quite a sweet tooth), or simply listen as you shared what was on your heart. We will forever be grateful for the love she poured into Henne Jewelers and into our customers.”
A celebration of life service will be held for Pugliese on Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. at Allison Park Church in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Joan Pugliese. She is survived by her brothers David (Kate), Paul (Renee), Michael (Colleen), Samuel (Nancy) and Joey (Deeters), as well as her nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
Pugliese joined the family-owned jeweler in 1978 at 18 years old, working in sales under the late third-generation jeweler Jack Henne.
She worked for the retailer for more than 46 years, rising through the ranks as a top sales associate, a jewelry buyer, and a designer.
Pugliese designed the jeweler’s in-store displays and curated jewelry collections in her role as a buyer, for which she traveled across the U.S.
She created custom designs for customers and also had her own signature line, “Exclusively by Nina,” sold only at Henne Jewelers.
Pugliese also lent her creative talents to interior and floral design, as per her online obituary.
“Her artistry, eye for quality, and devotion to customers set a standard of excellence that shaped the store’s identity,” said the company.
Pugliese is seen here behind the jewelry counter with (from left) John Henne, his mother Nancy Henne, and his father Jack Henne.
Pugliese is remembered for her vibrant personality and generous spirit. She always greeted her colleagues and customers with a smile, said the jeweler.
Outside of work, she devoted herself to charity causes, including supporting children and local charities and ministries.
“Her faith was central to her life, and she lived it with grace, kindness, and joy,” said the retailer.
John G. Henne, fourth-generation owner of Henne Jewelers, shared his memories of Pugliese.
“Nina wasn’t just a colleague; she was family,” he said. “Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of our business. She touched thousands of lives with her warmth, her talent, and her faith.
“Nina would spontaneously burst into song, style your jewelry in a way that made you feel extraordinary, share a dessert with you (she had quite a sweet tooth), or simply listen as you shared what was on your heart. We will forever be grateful for the love she poured into Henne Jewelers and into our customers.”
A celebration of life service will be held for Pugliese on Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. at Allison Park Church in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Joan Pugliese. She is survived by her brothers David (Kate), Paul (Renee), Michael (Colleen), Samuel (Nancy) and Joey (Deeters), as well as her nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsDec 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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
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.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
