CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
IndependentsNov 25, 2019
Another Independent Jeweler Is Closing
Family-run Houston store Select Jewelers is holding a going-out-of-business sale after 23 years.
Select Jewelers, founded in Houston in 1996, is closing its doors.
Houston—After more than two decades in business, Houston retailer Select Jewelers is closing up shop.
Founder V.K. Sethi opened the store in 1996, and has since made it a point to treat his clients like family.
“We know our customers by name, know about their families, where their kids are going to college, their last vacation,” said daughter and co-owner Sangeeta Sethi.
“It’s like walking into Cheers,” she said, referencing the famous bar from the 1980s sitcom.
V.K. came to the United States from India when he was just 19 years old and had only $400 to his name.
He graduated from the University of New Mexico before moving to Houston to work as an engineer.
Occasionally, he’d travel home to India and bring emeralds back he’d sell to local retailers.
Based on the response he had from them, V.K. eventually decided to leave engineering to open a wholesale business.
With access to high-quality diamonds and gemstones, he began designing and manufacturing his own jewelry, which led to him opening his own store.
“Because we source, design and manufacture the jewelry, we can offer the very best prices to our customers,” Sangeeta said.
V. K. has spent the last 50 years acquiring a private collection of jewels and loose diamonds from around the world, which will now be available to the public in the store’s going-out-of-business sale.
Select Jewelers is currently being run by V.K., Sangeeta and her brother, Nitish Sethi.
There are also many staff members who have been with them since they opened the store 23 years ago.
The family has made giving back to the community a big part of the business, donating to Houston- area schools and supporting the Hope Endowment nonprofit organization, which provides housing, food, clothing, and medical and social services to children in need in India.
Sangeeta said her father and mother, Neelima, are most looking forward to traveling once the store has closed.
She and her brother are also looking forward to the next chapter in their lives but, for now, their attention is focused on their father’s retirement and closing the store.
“When our customers found out we were closing, it was heart-wrenching,” she said. “There are lots of tears from all of us. We’ve had phone calls, texts and messages from so many wonderful people. It’s a
testament to our business and our amazing staff.”
Select Jewelers is one of a number of well-known independent jewelers to announce they are closing recently.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania retailer J. Dennis Petimezas, owner of Watchmaker’s Diamonds & Jewelry, also has decided to retire after 45 years in the business.
Meanwhile, John and Jenny Caro will close their store, Jewelry by Designs in Woodbridge, Virginia, telling local news they will “explore other interests.”
Select Jewelers is one of a number of well-known independent jewelers to announce they are closing recently.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania retailer J. Dennis Petimezas, owner of Watchmaker’s Diamonds & Jewelry, also has decided to retire after 45 years in the business.
Meanwhile, John and Jenny Caro will close their store, Jewelry by Designs in Woodbridge, Virginia, telling local news they will “explore other interests.”
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
