SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
IndependentsFeb 14, 2020
Beloved Antique Jewelry Dealer Lenore Dailey Dies
She passed away Wednesday evening at her home in Palm Springs, California surrounded by family and friends.
Palm Springs, Calif.—Lenore Dailey, the beloved antique jewelry dealer who was a fixture at trade shows, died Wednesday evening at her home in Palm Springs, California following a nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Dailey worked in a number of fields, including interior decorating, before discovering her passion—antique jewelry, said Alyssa Lynn.
Lynn is a third-generation antique jewelry dealer who runs her family’s Los Angeles-based business, Mary Ann-Tiques. Her mom and Dailey were so close, they were like sisters, and Lynn grew up calling Dailey her aunt.
She said Dailey’s entrée into the business was hair jewelry (meaning jewelry that incorporated human hair), which was not in demand when she started some 30 years ago.
“At the time, nobody wanted it,” Lynn said.
But Dailey stayed true to her interests, specializing in hair and mourning jewelry from the Victorian and Georgian eras and even earlier, never getting more modern than Art Deco (and even stocking very little of that).
“She found a niche in the business, and she loved it,” Lynn said, “and she made everybody else love it too.”
Over the years, Dailey kept growing her eponymous business and started exhibiting at trade-only as well as consumer-facing jewelry shows on the East Coast, while also encouraging her friends at Mary Ann-Tiques to branch out from the West Coast.
Her booth become a must-visit at every trade show she attended, from Miami to Michigan to Maryland to Vegas.
She also served as a font of well-researched information for collectors, other dealers and editors alike, including the editors of National Jeweler.
Antique and collectibles expert Harry Rinker, who considered Dailey a close friend, said she was his primary consultant in assembling his wife’s Victorian Era jewelry study collection, and also was his “go-to” person for questions on Victorian and Edwardian jewelry.
“Lenore’s greatest strengths were her gregarious personality, her ability to personalize a piece of jewelry using historical facts and anecdotal stories, and her willingness to share knowledge without expecting anything in return,” he wrote in an email to National Jeweler Thursday.
“She made jewelry come alive. She was as much a teacher as she was a dealer.”
Despite her vast knowledge, Dailey never would have described herself as an antique jewelry “expert.”
In a 2014 interview with National Jeweler on Georgian mourning jewelry, Dailey demurred when asked about being labeled an expert on mourning jewelry, instead referring to herself as
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
an “enthusiastic collector with much to learn.”
News of Dailey’s passing was shared on her Instagram account, @lenoredailey, on Thursday.
“We cannot possibly express our feelings of loss,” the post read. “Lenore will continue in treasured memory and is expressed in the abundant beauty that she shared with everyone.
“Her kindness and generosity will continue on through all of you, follow your passions and go buy a jewel!”
Word of Dailey’s passing spread quickly, and those in the jewelry community began sharing photos and memories of the beloved antiques dealer, including Danielle Miele (@gemgossip), Becky Stone (@diamondsinthelibrary) and Cathleen McCarthy (@thejewelryloupe).
Lynn said Dailey had no children of her own but became a mother figure to many young people in the jewelry industry; Stone described her as “our antique jewelry fairy godmother.”
Katrina Canady, show manager for U.S. Antique Shows, which runs the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show among many others, said her mentorship is a major piece of Dailey’s legacy.
“When I think of Lenore, whom I have known for 13 years, I immediately think about how supportive she was of young, up-and-coming dealers and collectors, especially women,” she said.
“She would generously give these young women her time and take them under her wing, selflessly sharing her knowledge and showing them the ropes. She will be deeply missed by me personally and by everyone in our U.S. Antique Shows community.”
Lynn said services are scheduled to take place Feb. 20 in Palm Springs.
She said Dailey’s Instagram account will remain active, as she has tons of inventory. Instagram users will still be able to see and purchase her items.
In addition, they will keep “Lenore Dailey LLC” on the booth at trade shows—which she usually splits with Mary Ann-Tiques—and Dailey’s inventory will still be sold there as well.
“She’s going to still be going,” Lynn said. “That’s what she really wanted.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lenore Dailey (@lenoredailey) on Feb 13, 2020 at 9:04am PST
News of Dailey’s passing was shared on her Instagram account, @lenoredailey, on Thursday.
“We cannot possibly express our feelings of loss,” the post read. “Lenore will continue in treasured memory and is expressed in the abundant beauty that she shared with everyone.
“Her kindness and generosity will continue on through all of you, follow your passions and go buy a jewel!”
Word of Dailey’s passing spread quickly, and those in the jewelry community began sharing photos and memories of the beloved antiques dealer, including Danielle Miele (@gemgossip), Becky Stone (@diamondsinthelibrary) and Cathleen McCarthy (@thejewelryloupe).
Lynn said Dailey had no children of her own but became a mother figure to many young people in the jewelry industry; Stone described her as “our antique jewelry fairy godmother.”
Katrina Canady, show manager for U.S. Antique Shows, which runs the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show among many others, said her mentorship is a major piece of Dailey’s legacy.
“When I think of Lenore, whom I have known for 13 years, I immediately think about how supportive she was of young, up-and-coming dealers and collectors, especially women,” she said.
“She would generously give these young women her time and take them under her wing, selflessly sharing her knowledge and showing them the ropes. She will be deeply missed by me personally and by everyone in our U.S. Antique Shows community.”
Lynn said services are scheduled to take place Feb. 20 in Palm Springs.
She said Dailey’s Instagram account will remain active, as she has tons of inventory. Instagram users will still be able to see and purchase her items.
In addition, they will keep “Lenore Dailey LLC” on the booth at trade shows—which she usually splits with Mary Ann-Tiques—and Dailey’s inventory will still be sold there as well.
“She’s going to still be going,” Lynn said. “That’s what she really wanted.”
More on Independents
The Latest
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
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.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
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.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
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.
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.
