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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
