IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleIndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New President
Courtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
Courtney Cornell is the new president of Cornell’s Jewelers in Rochester, New York.
Rochester, N.Y.—Cornell’s Jewelers in Rochester, New York, has promoted Courtney Cornell to the role of president. She is part of the third generation to lead the family business.
Founder Harry Cornell opened his own full-time jewelry business in 1933, according to the jeweler’s website. He had been taking in clock repairs since 1923, kicking off the Cornell family’s 102 years in the industry.
His son, David Cornell, joined the business in 1973 and became the owner in 1984. David’s wife, Olivia Cornell, began working for the jeweler in 1997.
Their son and the current CEO, Michael Cornell, joined the family jeweler in 2008, as per his LinkedIn profile. His wife, Courtney, became part of the team as a buyer in 2023.
Her mother-in-law Olivia previously held the role of president, until she and David retired two years ago.
Related stories will be right here …
Founder Harry Cornell opened his own full-time jewelry business in 1933, according to the jeweler’s website. He had been taking in clock repairs since 1923, kicking off the Cornell family’s 102 years in the industry.
His son, David Cornell, joined the business in 1973 and became the owner in 1984. David’s wife, Olivia Cornell, began working for the jeweler in 1997.
Their son and the current CEO, Michael Cornell, joined the family jeweler in 2008, as per his LinkedIn profile. His wife, Courtney, became part of the team as a buyer in 2023.
Her mother-in-law Olivia previously held the role of president, until she and David retired two years ago.
As a buyer, Courtney curated collections, worked with luxury brands, and forged community partnerships. Her background is in marketing, public relations, and event planning.
“Her leadership has brought a fresh, forward-thinking energy to the company while maintaining the warmth, trust, and authenticity that generations of guests have come to love,” said the company.
Her approach to leadership complements her husband’s style, said the jeweler, and the two have built a balanced partnership that allows Cornell’s Jewelers to evolve while holding tight to its founding values.
Courtney’s connection to the Rochester community, including her support of charitable initiatives and local organizations, honor the jeweler’s history of commitment to its city, said the company.
“Carrying forward our family’s 102-year legacy is a privilege I hold close to my heart, and I’m committed to leading Cornell’s Jewelers into its next era with the same dedication and love that built it,” she said.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
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.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
