AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
IndependentsApr 16, 2019
A.F. Greenwood President Richard Greenwood Dies
The industry veteran was described as a “giant of a man” and “the best friend a person could ask for.”
Richard Greenwood, second from right, died unexpectedly Saturday at the age of 70. Longtime friend and business partner Doug Parker, seen here at far left, said Greenwood was “the best friend a person could ask for.”
New York—Richard “Dick” Greenwood, president of gemstone and jewelry wholesaler A.F. Greenwood, died April 13. He was 70 years old.
Greenwood was an active member of the trade, being a founding member of the New York Jewelers Group 25 years ago. He was a past president of the organization, as well as past president of the American Gem Trade Association and the 24 Karat Club.
He also sat on the boards for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and Jewelers Security Alliance, and was a a longtime board member and past chairman of the Jewelers Board of Trade.
The AGTA said in an email that Greenwood continued to serve the organization in an advisory capacity throughout his life and was “known as a wise counsel with a strong sense of fairness and a quick wit. His loss is profound to our community.”
AGTA CEO Doug Hucker told National Jeweler Monday that Greenwood’s booth at trade shows was always one that welcomed everyone.
“When you met him, you instantly felt like he was your friend.”
He added that Greenwood was one of the people he turned to for advice because he was an excellent listener, and good at taking all sides into account.
“He was always willing to help. He was one of those guys that if you needed him, he was there. He was genuine and told you exactly what he thought, but then he’d take you out for a drink. Losing him is like losing family.”
Longtime business partner and friend Doug Parker said Greenwood was “the best friend a person could ask for, and I’m sure anyone in the trade would say the same.”
He also noted something he thought said a lot about Greenwood: how long his staff has been around. Parker said the newest employee at A.F. Greenwood has been there for more than 18 years, with most of them staying for over 25.
“Not many can inspire that kind of loyalty.”
In an email about his passing, Patti Geolat, CEO of fine jewelry appraisal and brokerage firm Geolat Companies, referred to Greenwood as a “great friend, a loyal colleague, a loving husband and a giant of a man.”
Gemstone dealer and AGTA past president Jeff Bilgore said, “The industry lost a true treasure, a leader, a mentor to so many and a friend to all. In business Dick gave amazing value; in life he gave everyone
he touched something much more precious. He will be missed. This industry is better for all he freely gave.”
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Trudi, and their children, Dan and Amy.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 18 at 12:00 p.m. at the Riverside Memorial Chapel at 21 Broad Street West in Mount Vernon, New York.
More on Independents
The Latest
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
