ColumnistsJan 22, 2025
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Fare in 2024? Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.
IndependentsJul 11, 2019
Maine Retailer Enid Corey Dies at 93
A mother of seven, she opened Robert’s Jewelry with husband Robert Corey in 1955 and later ventured out on her own with a card and gift shop.
Madawaska, Maine—Enid Corey, who grew up in the retail business and opened a jewelry store and then a card shop, died July 3 following a brief illness.
She was 93.
Born Enid Sleeper on July 29, 1925 in Caribou, Maine, she was the daughter of Alma and Joseph Sleeper Sr., who owned Sleeper’s, the general store he opened in 1914 after emigrating from Lebanon to the United States. (Sleeper’s is still in operation today.)
She was 93.
Born Enid Sleeper on July 29, 1925 in Caribou, Maine, she was the daughter of Alma and Joseph Sleeper Sr., who owned Sleeper’s, the general store he opened in 1914 after emigrating from Lebanon to the United States. (Sleeper’s is still in operation today.)
Enid Corey
Corey spent her early years working side-by-side with her father at the store, which instilled within her a love for business that she never lost.
On Aug. 20, 1951, she married Robert Corey, whom she met while he was managing the Day’s Jewelers store in Caribou.
Three years later, with two children in tow and one more on the way, they moved north to Madawaska, Maine to pursue their dream of opening their own store.
Together, the Coreys established and built a successful business in Robert’s Jewelry, with their children—a brood that eventually numbered seven—working alongside them. Enid Corey was devoted to raising children with a strong work ethic and family values, and to setting her kids “on the right path.”
In 1978, she embarked on her own business venture, opening a card and gift store called Hi, Ma’s but some of her children remained in the jewelry business.
Son Robert runs Robert’s Jewelry in Madawaska, while son Jeff and daughter-in-law Kathy and son Jim own Day’s Jewelers, which they bought from the original owners in 1988.
Outside of work, Corey liked cooking and baking, and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Alma (Meelan) Sleeper; two sisters, one brother, and a grandson; and her husband of 67 years, Robert Corey, who died in February 2018 at the age of 90.
Corey is survived by her seven children: Jeffery (Kathy) of Winslow, Maine; Jolene (James) Cleland of Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada; Jean (David) Foster of Johns Island, South Carolina; Jayne Johnston (Randy Morrison, partner) of Bangor, Maine; Robert (Sylvie) Corey of Madawaska; James (Amy) Corey of Topsham, Maine; and Anne (Douglas) Cyr of Madawaska; two brothers and two sisters; and 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Services took place Monday at Lajoie Funeral Home in Madawaska.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Madawaska, St. Joseph’s Church in Sinclair, Maine, or Northern Light Hospice.
More on Independents
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJan 22, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Steps Up Aid for LA Jewelry BusinessesThe company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.
Events & AwardsJan 22, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassNow in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SurveysJan 22, 2025
Holiday Sales Hit Record High, Says NRFCore retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 22, 2025
Foundrae’s New Collection Channels the Power of NowThe “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
