EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
IndependentsApr 26, 2019
Trabert & Hoeffer to Close Last-Standing Store
The store, which is located in Chicago, will put a portion of its inventory up for auction ahead of its closing in June.
This diamond and pink tourmaline brooch is expected to bring between $15,000 to $20,000 at auction this May.
Chicago—Trabert & Hoeffer is set to close its last-standing location in Chicago in June as its owner prepares for retirement, the jewelry store announced earlier this month.
Its first store opened on New York’s Park Avenue in the 1930s, later expanding to Palm Beach, Florida; Beverly Hills, California; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Chicago.
Chicago native Don Levinson bought the location in 1968, importing designs from Europe and Asia and adding more Swiss watches to the inventory.
The store is known for its elaborate, seasonal window displays, draping fine jewelry over pumpkins or ice skates.
Originally located on Michigan Avenue, Trabert & Hoeffer moved to East Oak Street in 1995, but has never strayed far from the Magnificent Mile, the Midwest equivalent of New York’s Fifth Avenue.
Ahead of its June closing, the retailer will partner with Hindman LLC, which owns auction houses Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and Cowan’s Auctions, to sell some of its inventory.
“After more than 50 years with Trabert & Hoeffer, it’s time for me to announce my retirement and I can’t think of a better partner than Hindman to move the store’s spectacular inventory,” Levinson said in a statement announcing the store’s closure.
Assisting with the sale is Katie Guilbault, director and senior specialist of fine jewelry and timepieces at Hindman and a former Trabert & Hoeffer employee with a familial connection to the store. Her grandfather owned the Chicago Trabert & Hoeffer and was the one who sold it to Levinson in the late ‘60s.
She got her start at the store, working with Levinson for nearly eight years as a sales associate and appraiser.
“We have a lot of happy memories. A lot of people do,” said Guilbault, who described being a part of the end of the store’s legacy as “bittersweet.”
She recounted the loyal customers who would visit year after year, commemorating birthdays and anniversaries with a special something from the store.
Guilbault also is familiar with the store’s inventory and has a hunch about which pieces will be showstoppers at auction.
A 58.50 carat total weight diamond bracelet valued at $90,000 to $120,000
A retro platinum, diamond and pink tourmaline brooch by Trabert & Hoeffer-Maubossin valued at $15,000 to $20,000
A 10.04 carat emerald cut diamond ring valued at $200,000 to $300,000
A 6.11 carat marquise diamond ring, certified D color, internally flawless clarity, valued at $280,000 to $380,000
A pair of 10.04 carat total weight diamond stud earrings valued at $125,000 to $175,000
The inventory includes pieces that were created via a partnership with acclaimed Parisian jeweler Mauboussin, which also sold the store some of its inventory when it decided to close its New York location.
Some designs created in the 1930s through the early 1950s feature a Trabert & Hoeffer/Mauboussin stamp, which Guilbault said could draw buyers.
A Retro platinum, diamond and pink tourmaline brooch by Trabert & Hoeffer/Mauboussin valued between
$15,000 and $20,000 is expected to be an auction standout.
Another auction highlight is a 6.11-carat marquise-cut diamond ring that is D, IF and valued between $280,000 and $380,000.
The jewelry auction will also feature about 200 original, hand-colored drawings of custom design pieces, some marked up with notes from the designer and comments from customers.
“These pieces truly are incredible and I’m grateful they will find homes with collectors who understand and appreciate this brand’s unmatched quality and expansive legacy,” Levinson said in the statement.
The sale, featuring more than 340 lots, will be held at Hindman’s Chicago headquarters on May 15.
Collectors can preview the offerings in New York from April 30 to May 1, in Atlanta on May 3, and in Chicago May 10-May 15.
To schedule an appointment, contact Leslie Hindman Auctioneers at 312-280-1212 or visit the auction house’s website.
Another auction highlight is a 6.11-carat marquise-cut diamond ring that is D, IF and valued between $280,000 and $380,000.
The jewelry auction will also feature about 200 original, hand-colored drawings of custom design pieces, some marked up with notes from the designer and comments from customers.
“These pieces truly are incredible and I’m grateful they will find homes with collectors who understand and appreciate this brand’s unmatched quality and expansive legacy,” Levinson said in the statement.
The sale, featuring more than 340 lots, will be held at Hindman’s Chicago headquarters on May 15.
Collectors can preview the offerings in New York from April 30 to May 1, in Atlanta on May 3, and in Chicago May 10-May 15.
To schedule an appointment, contact Leslie Hindman Auctioneers at 312-280-1212 or visit the auction house’s website.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
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.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
