CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
IndependentsNov 14, 2019
Why a Jeweler Honored a Gift Certificate from 1969
It cost Bensons Jewelers owner Ken Stein $150 but turned out to be worth thousands in free publicity.
The original gift certificate for silverware issued by Benson Jewelers to Catherine (Cathy) Swindell, now Jones, in 1969, when she got married. The store redeemed it this week even though it quit selling silver decades ago. (Photo courtesy of Ken Stein/George Jones)
Washington—A couple weeks ago, Bensons Jewelers owner Ken Stein got an email from a man asking if his store carried silverware.
“No,” the jeweler replied, adding, “Gosh, who does anymore?”
It was an odd and seemingly dated question, but one that turned out to have a terrific backstory that has generated an untold amount of free, positive publicity for the Washington, D.C.-based retailer.
The man who sent the email was 77-year-old Pasadena, Maryland resident George Jones.
Jones and his wife Cathy had been thumbing through their wedding album on the occasion of their 50th anniversary when they found an unclaimed gift certificate from Bensons.
Dated Nov. 8, 1969, the certificate was for “one teaspoon, one place knife and one place fork” in the “Rose” pattern by Stieff and was signed “B. Singer.”
Stein said he believes the signatory was Betsy Singer, who “did a little bit of everything” during her time at the store and, likely, was its silver specialist (the store, he noted, used to have a specialist for everything.)
Singer no longer works at Bensons, and Stein, who started at the store in 1979 and bought his father Paul out of the business in the ‘90s, said they haven’t carried Stieff, or any silver, for decades.
But he saw both charity and—he’s clear and unapologetic on this point—opportunity in honoring the couple’s gift certificate, even though he had to go out and spend $150 to buy the silverware from Replacements, Ltd.
“I just thought it was the right thing to do,” he said, “and my extreme business savvy just said, ‘This is a good story.”
He was correct, on both counts.
“No,” the jeweler replied, adding, “Gosh, who does anymore?”
It was an odd and seemingly dated question, but one that turned out to have a terrific backstory that has generated an untold amount of free, positive publicity for the Washington, D.C.-based retailer.
The man who sent the email was 77-year-old Pasadena, Maryland resident George Jones.
Jones and his wife Cathy had been thumbing through their wedding album on the occasion of their 50th anniversary when they found an unclaimed gift certificate from Bensons.
Dated Nov. 8, 1969, the certificate was for “one teaspoon, one place knife and one place fork” in the “Rose” pattern by Stieff and was signed “B. Singer.”
Stein said he believes the signatory was Betsy Singer, who “did a little bit of everything” during her time at the store and, likely, was its silver specialist (the store, he noted, used to have a specialist for everything.)
Singer no longer works at Bensons, and Stein, who started at the store in 1979 and bought his father Paul out of the business in the ‘90s, said they haven’t carried Stieff, or any silver, for decades.
But he saw both charity and—he’s clear and unapologetic on this point—opportunity in honoring the couple’s gift certificate, even though he had to go out and spend $150 to buy the silverware from Replacements, Ltd.
“I just thought it was the right thing to do,” he said, “and my extreme business savvy just said, ‘This is a good story.”
He was correct, on both counts.
George and Cathy Jones had their new silverware from Bensons Jewelers put in a shadowbox frame along with a copy of the original gift certificate from 1969, Ken Stein’s business card, a picture from their wedding 50 years ago and a letter telling the story of the certificate’s late redemption. (Photo courtesy of Ken Stein/George Jones)
The Joneses were, by Stein’s account, “very excited” to receive another wedding present.
The couple was so excited, in fact, they had the three-piece silverware set framed, along with the original gift certificate and Stein’s business card.
The savvy Stein shared the story with local media and, as so many stories do these days, it spread like a spill, with the jeweler fielding calls from all over the country.
“When the story broke, I had calls from California, Connecticut and New York, from total strangers, and they’ve said, ‘You’ve restored my faith in humanity.’”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
NBC News 4 Washington covered the story, and so did Washington Post columnist John Kelly, whose headline alone should land him in the running for a Pulitzer Prize.
Stein got emails via his website pledging future allegiance to the store, a few of which he shared with National Jeweler on Wednesday.
“Dear Bensons,” one man wrote, “I saw the ‘feel good’ story today on NBC News 4 of you honoring a 50-year-old gift certificate. Great job on your part, I will certainly use Bensons for my future jewelry needs. Thanks for [an] act of kindness seldomly seen.”
On Tuesday, a man came into the store to shake Stein’s hand. He left two rings, one for a re-engraving and one for an appraisal, and said he would be back to pick out a piece of jewelry.
Stein said he’s also received a few hundred comments on Facebook, where he shared the news stories on his personal page, and the tale even spurred a five-star Google review.
“Do they turn into money in the till? Time will tell but [in the meantime] I’ve restored some faith in humanity,” he said.
“A lot of people are miserable. A lot of people are angry and mad and divided.”
This story is none of those things and, because of that, people were happy to share it.
More on Independents
The Latest
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
