IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerIndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store
The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
On Nov. 20, J.R. Dunn Jewelers held the official grand opening for its recently renovated and expanded store. An independent jeweler that has been in business for more than 50 years, J.R. Dunn Jewelers is in Lighthouse Point, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. (Photo courtesy of J.R. Dunn Jewelers)
Lighthouse Point, Fla.— J.R. Dunn Jewelers recently celebrated the grand opening of its renovated and expanded flagship store, a store the Dunn family says is a tribute to its patriarch, the late Jim Dunn.
The new store is nearly 14,000 square feet, making it the largest independent jewelry store in South Florida and one of the largest in the country, the retailer said.
“This new showroom celebrates the past while embracing the future of our company and community,” said second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn, who recently was promoted to company president.
“We built this space to honor my parents, to serve our clients at the highest level, and to carry forward the dream my father started.”
Jim and his wife, Ann Marie Dunn (née Pelliccia), opened their first jewelry store in a small house in Hanover, Massachusetts, in 1969, spending their life savings—$10,000—to do so.
They called it the House of Gems.
When the store outgrew that space, Jim and Ann Marie moved it into a mall in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and renamed it J.R. Dunn Jewelers.
In 1978, the couple relocated to Florida and opened a small, by-appointment-only jewelry boutique.
The business outgrew its space again, and the family purchased an 8,000-square-foot building on Federal Highway for their store.
This latest upgrade gives J.R. Dunn Jewelers nearly 6,000 additional square feet of space and includes a renovated bridal salon with floor-to-ceiling windows, new spaces for Rolex, its sister brand Tudor, and Breitling, and an area the retailer is calling its “Heritage Lounge.”
The new store is nearly 14,000 square feet, making it the largest independent jewelry store in South Florida and one of the largest in the country, the retailer said.
“This new showroom celebrates the past while embracing the future of our company and community,” said second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn, who recently was promoted to company president.
“We built this space to honor my parents, to serve our clients at the highest level, and to carry forward the dream my father started.”
Jim and his wife, Ann Marie Dunn (née Pelliccia), opened their first jewelry store in a small house in Hanover, Massachusetts, in 1969, spending their life savings—$10,000—to do so.
They called it the House of Gems.
When the store outgrew that space, Jim and Ann Marie moved it into a mall in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and renamed it J.R. Dunn Jewelers.
In 1978, the couple relocated to Florida and opened a small, by-appointment-only jewelry boutique.
The business outgrew its space again, and the family purchased an 8,000-square-foot building on Federal Highway for their store.
This latest upgrade gives J.R. Dunn Jewelers nearly 6,000 additional square feet of space and includes a renovated bridal salon with floor-to-ceiling windows, new spaces for Rolex, its sister brand Tudor, and Breitling, and an area the retailer is calling its “Heritage Lounge.”
J.R. Dunn Jewelers co-owner and president Sean Dunn and his mother, company co-founder and co-owner Ann Marie Dunn (seated), were front and center for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo courtesy of JR Dunn Jewelers)
The new J.R. Dunn Jewelers is more than 14,000 square feet. (Photo courtesy of JR Dunn Jewelers)
Among the new features highlighted by the company is the bridal area, which features floor-to-ceiling windows (not visible in this shot) that allow customers to see how their diamonds look in natural light. (Photo courtesy of JR Dunn Jewelers)
Another feature of the new store is the “Heritage Lounge,” an area where customers can relax and see memorabilia from the early days of the business. (Photo courtesy of JR Dunn Jewelers)
The store’s new Breitling boutique includes a full bar. (Photo courtesy of JR Dunn Jewelers)
The new Rolex area includes a window (not pictured) that allows customers to see inside the store’s on-site watch workshop. (Photo courtesy of JR Dunn Jewelers)
When Jim and Ann Marie Dunn first opened their jewelry store in 1969, they had a burglary that almost put them out of business. More than 50 years later, J.R. Dunn Jewelers experienced a middle-of-the-night smash-and-grab attempt just days before the new flagship opened, but they persevered. (Photo courtesy of JR Dunn Jewelers)
The lounge has memorabilia from the early days of the business, including the original House of Gems sign.
There is also a custom design atelier headed by Ann Marie’s brother, award-winning designer Robert Pelliccia.
J.R. Dunn Jewelers said the new showroom fulfills Jim’s vision of what the retailer could be but, sadly, did not live to see.
Jim died in 2021 at age 78 following a brief illness.
"This showroom is a tribute to Jim,” Ann Marie said.
“It reflects his spirit, warm and welcoming, built on integrity, and [is] the culmination of the hard work he and I put in together to build J.R. Dunn Jewelers."
J.R. Dunn Jewelers is one of a handful of independent jewelers that have opened big, beautiful new stores in 2025.
Over the summer, Korman in Austin, Texas, opened a new store that is double the size of its former location, while another family-owned Texas jeweler, Zadok Jewelers, expanded into Austin with the opening of an 11,000-square-foot store.
In May, Eiseman Jewels renovated and expanded its space in the NorthPark Center mall in Dallas and last month, Seattle’s Green Lake Jewelry Works upgraded from a 7,500-square-foot location to a store that is more than 12,000 square feet.
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
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.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
