IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President
Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
Sean Dunn, front and center, is the new president of J.R. Dunn Jewelers. He’s seen here celebrating with the Florida jewelers’ employees.
Editor's Note: This story has been edited post-publication to clarify who read the surprise letter to Sean Dunn.
Lighthouse Point, Fla.—J.R. Dunn Jewelers has named second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn as its new president.
Outgoing President Ann Marie Dunn, who is also Sean’s mother, surprised her son with the announcement at its annual employee appreciation dinner.
Sean said he thought he was about to give an appreciation speech to the jeweler’s employees when Patricia Correa-Dolezal, director of sales at J.R. Dunn, took the stage to read a letter his mother, who was unable to attend the event, had written to him.
In her letter, shared with National Jeweler, she said how proud she is of her son and how confident she is in his ability to lead.
Ann Marie and her late husband, Jim, opened their first jewelry store together in 1969, later moving into a bigger space. Jim passed away in 2021 at the age of 78.
“Sean honors Jim’s legacy while bringing his own brilliance, warmth, and vision for the future. Jim always knew Sean would be the one to carry J.R. Dunn forward, and seeing him step confidently into this role is one of my greatest joys,” said Ann Marie.
Sean said the announcement stopped him in his tracks.
“Her words left me completely humbled. Even though we had talked about this transition, it always felt symbolic, a formality. But in that moment, I understood the true meaning of this role. It is not just a title. It is being entrusted with two lifetimes of work and with honoring the legacy my parents built from nothing,” said Sean.
It was fitting to make the announcement at the employee appreciation dinner, as Sean emphasized that the heart of his family’s business is its employees.
“They deserve a workplace they are proud of, where they feel valued and connected to something meaningful. I cannot promise perfection, but I can promise this. I will lead with humility, with a clear vision, with determination, and with every bit of ability God has given me. My commitment is that we will succeed together,” said Sean.
The leadership announcements precede another milestone development for the jeweler as it prepares to open its newly expanded showroom, with more details to follow.
J.R. Dunn Jewelers is also one of 19 retailers in the U.S. and Canada to roll out De Beers’ new branded, traceable diamonds.
Related stories will be right here …
Lighthouse Point, Fla.—J.R. Dunn Jewelers has named second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn as its new president.
Outgoing President Ann Marie Dunn, who is also Sean’s mother, surprised her son with the announcement at its annual employee appreciation dinner.
Sean said he thought he was about to give an appreciation speech to the jeweler’s employees when Patricia Correa-Dolezal, director of sales at J.R. Dunn, took the stage to read a letter his mother, who was unable to attend the event, had written to him.
In her letter, shared with National Jeweler, she said how proud she is of her son and how confident she is in his ability to lead.
Ann Marie and her late husband, Jim, opened their first jewelry store together in 1969, later moving into a bigger space. Jim passed away in 2021 at the age of 78.
“Sean honors Jim’s legacy while bringing his own brilliance, warmth, and vision for the future. Jim always knew Sean would be the one to carry J.R. Dunn forward, and seeing him step confidently into this role is one of my greatest joys,” said Ann Marie.
From left, Sean Dunn, Ann Marie Dunn, and the late Jim Dunn. Ann Marie and Jim opened a jewelry store together in 1969, making Sean the second generation to lead.
Sean said the announcement stopped him in his tracks.
“Her words left me completely humbled. Even though we had talked about this transition, it always felt symbolic, a formality. But in that moment, I understood the true meaning of this role. It is not just a title. It is being entrusted with two lifetimes of work and with honoring the legacy my parents built from nothing,” said Sean.
It was fitting to make the announcement at the employee appreciation dinner, as Sean emphasized that the heart of his family’s business is its employees.
“They deserve a workplace they are proud of, where they feel valued and connected to something meaningful. I cannot promise perfection, but I can promise this. I will lead with humility, with a clear vision, with determination, and with every bit of ability God has given me. My commitment is that we will succeed together,” said Sean.
The leadership announcements precede another milestone development for the jeweler as it prepares to open its newly expanded showroom, with more details to follow.
J.R. Dunn Jewelers is also one of 19 retailers in the U.S. and Canada to roll out De Beers’ new branded, traceable diamonds.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
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.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
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 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
