SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49
The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
Kristen Cannon, public relations and media director at Valobra Master Jewelers, died earlier this month at age 49. She was “a perfect mix of calculated business egocentrism sprinkled with abundant generous altruism,” the jeweler said.
Houston—Kristen Janeen Cannon, the public relations and media director at Valobra Master Jewelers in Houston, died June 18.
She was 49 years old.
Cannon, born in Houston on March 1, 1977, was “a bright light from the very beginning,” her family said in an online obituary.
She attended Vanderbilt University and The University of Texas in Austin, earning a degree in marketing.
She was also proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Following graduation, she began her career in New York City and later returned to Houston where she founded her namesake public relations firm, The Cannon Affair: PR Studio.
Through her work helping organizations, businesses, and charitable causes tell their stories, she became known for her creativity, professionalism, and ability to build meaningful relationships.
Later, Cannon went on to direct the public relations and business development for Valobra Master Jewelers, a fourth-generation jeweler that began in 1905 in Torino, Italy, and now has locations in Houston, New Orleans, and Switzerland.
Cannon is remembered for her passion for the arts, including paintings, musical pieces, sculptures, and “the art of socializing,” Valobra Master Jewelers President Franco Valobra said in a statement the jeweler posted to its Instagram.
She was 49 years old.
Cannon, born in Houston on March 1, 1977, was “a bright light from the very beginning,” her family said in an online obituary.
She attended Vanderbilt University and The University of Texas in Austin, earning a degree in marketing.
She was also proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Following graduation, she began her career in New York City and later returned to Houston where she founded her namesake public relations firm, The Cannon Affair: PR Studio.
Through her work helping organizations, businesses, and charitable causes tell their stories, she became known for her creativity, professionalism, and ability to build meaningful relationships.
Later, Cannon went on to direct the public relations and business development for Valobra Master Jewelers, a fourth-generation jeweler that began in 1905 in Torino, Italy, and now has locations in Houston, New Orleans, and Switzerland.
Cannon is remembered for her passion for the arts, including paintings, musical pieces, sculptures, and “the art of socializing,” Valobra Master Jewelers President Franco Valobra said in a statement the jeweler posted to its Instagram.
He also described her as a force of nature with an “insatiable thirst” for meaningful fundraising.
“Kristen represented the perfect image of today’s professionalism and philanthropy, a perfect mix of calculated business egocentrism sprinkled with abundant generous altruism,” Valobra wrote.
“I am sure that the reception for her, up there, will be as perfectly organized and stupendously attended as she is accustomed.”
Cannon lived a life marked by generosity and an unwavering commitment to those around her, her family echoed in her obituary.
She gave her time, talent, and energy, working with numerous charitable and civic organizations throughout Houston.
Cannon received recognitions including Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Woman of the Year, American Cancer Society Pearl Honoree, Woman of Substance honoree benefiting LEAD Houston, and Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Woman of Distinction.
A devoted daughter, caring aunt, and loyal friend, Cannon cherished her family and friends above all else.
Her greatest joy came from celebrating the people she loved and creating lasting memories, her family said.
Her warmth and genuine kindness will be remembered forever, and her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and the enduring example she set of a life lived with purpose, compassion, and grace, they added.
She is survived by her mother Janeen and stepfather Julian Fertitta; her father, Ernest Cannon; her sister, Tina Cannon; and her brother, Sam Cannon.
She is also survived by her stepbrothers, as well as a host of other family members, including several nieces and nephews, all of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.
A memorial service was held June 30 at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons funeral home in Houston, followed by a reception.
Cannon’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation or LEAD Houston in honor of her life and enduring legacy.
More on Independents
The Latest
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 QuizJun 25, 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.
