Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
IndependentsJun 27, 2018
Becker’s Diamonds Fetes 40 Years
The Connecticut retailer has long given back to its community and is doing more of the same for its anniversary.
Paul Becker and his late wife, Risa, (both pictured at top) founded Becker’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry in West Hartford, Connecticut, 40 years ago.
West Hartford, Conn.—This year, Becker’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry celebrated 40 years in business and to mark the occasion, the company did what it usually does: help others in the community.
Husband and wife Paul and Risa Becker opened the business in West Hartford, Connecticut, in 1978 with the motto “Make it Perfect,” and have been serving generations of bridal customers ever since.
Along the way, the Beckers’ business became deeply embedded in the local community.
“My late wife, Risa, and I were always overwhelmed by the support our small business received from the West Hartford and Saybrook communities,” Paul Becker explained. “To show our gratitude, we dedicated ourselves to becoming active civic leaders, seeking out groups that would most benefit from our involvement and participation.”
Becker’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry donated time, money and merchandise to numerous charitable organizations over the years, including Make-A-Wish Connecticut, Nutmeg Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Greater Hartford Arts Council, Urban League of Greater Hartford, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Wadsworth Athenaeum, Nutmeg State Games, The Jewish Federation, The Jim and Pat Calhoun Cardiology Research Endowment Fund for UCONN Health Center, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Capital Community College Foundation.
They also hosted holiday coat drives through a partnership with local dry cleaning business French Cleaners.
Risa Becker died of ovarian cancer and a brain tumor in 2013. In the year of her passing, however, she still managed to organize a team to participate in the National Ovarian Cancer Run and Walk in East Hartford. “Team Becker” went on to raise over $10,000 to go toward research and patient care.
That same year, Risa’s son Scott Becker and his wife, Lori, accepted the Gladys and Warren Phinney Lifetime Volunteerism Award from Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut on Risa’s behalf. She was a passionate supporter of Easterseals, which provides services and advocacy for people who are disabled.
This month, Becker’s Diamonds donated $5,000 to the organization.
“Risa was a determined, strong woman who inspired all of us in the business and more importantly through her charity work,” Paul Becker said. “She wanted us to persevere both personally and professionally. The best way for us to honor her memory is to continue to give back to the community as she did.”
Becker’s also hosted a 40th anniversary sale for customers from June 18 to 23, with shoppers at both of the store’s
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
locations--West Hartford and Old Saybrook--automatically entered to win one of two $5,000 shopping sprees.
The winners, who will be chosen at random, will be announced this week.
The winners, who will be chosen at random, will be announced this week.
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
