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.
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