IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped Flagship
The Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
James Free Jewelers’ newly remodeled flagship in Dayton, Ohio, is nearly double the size of its original store.
Dayton, Ohio—James Free Jewelers’ remodeled flagship store in Dayton, Ohio, focuses on brands and immersive retail.
The jeweler remained open during construction, unveiling its new look in September.
The flagship, revamped with a modern flair, is now nearly double the size, measuring 28,000 square feet, compared with its previous 15,000 square feet.
The new showroom boasts 7,200 square feet of selling space, more than double the 3,100 square feet of its previous space.
With a larger footprint, the jeweler now has dedicated brand spaces for Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Breitling, David Yurman, and Roberto Coin.
Consumers are looking for immersive, branded retail experiences, said the jeweler, and these spaces allow for better storytelling and space to host designer-specific events.
SEE: The Revamped James Free Jewelers Flagship
The jeweler remained open during construction, unveiling its new look in September.
The flagship, revamped with a modern flair, is now nearly double the size, measuring 28,000 square feet, compared with its previous 15,000 square feet.
The new showroom boasts 7,200 square feet of selling space, more than double the 3,100 square feet of its previous space.
With a larger footprint, the jeweler now has dedicated brand spaces for Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Breitling, David Yurman, and Roberto Coin.
Consumers are looking for immersive, branded retail experiences, said the jeweler, and these spaces allow for better storytelling and space to host designer-specific events.
SEE: The Revamped James Free Jewelers Flagship
The newly redesigned James Free Jewelers is nearly twice the size after the remodel.
The new design centers on brands with dedicated areas for several of them, like this Rolex space.
The spaces, like this one dedicated to David Yurman, allow for better storytelling, said the jeweler.
Shoppers are looking for immersive, branded retail experiences, said the jeweler.
The future of luxury retail is immersive, and deeply personal,” said Michael Karaman, president of James Free Jewelers.
“The remodel solved the complex puzzle of maintaining a cohesive store identity while allowing distinct brand personalities to shine,” said the jeweler.
Michael Karaman, president of James Free Jewelers, said it was a deliberate strategic move to transform its traditional multi-brand showroom into a curated collection of brand boutiques.
“The future of luxury retail is immersive, and deeply personal,” said Karaman.
“With this redesign, we’ve created that future; a modern, exciting space where hospitality meets high craftsmanship, and every visit is an event.”
Founded in 1940 in Dayton, Ohio, the retailer also operates a second store in Montgomery, Ohio, which opened in 1998.
More on Independents
The Latest
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
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.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
