Independents

J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

IndependentsNov 24, 2025

J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers employees
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 Dunn, Ann Marie Dunn, and Jim Dunn
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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
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.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

David Berdugo
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.

TopImageCrop.jpg
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.

Woman working at bruting machine, seal at new Grandview Klein factory in South Africa
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 Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
MJSA Education Foundation logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications Open

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut
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.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Cast Compass pendant
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.

Pyrrha The Space Between Campaign
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New Collection

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

Stack of gold bangles on denim
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.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
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.

Stock image of shipping containers
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.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy