EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
IndependentsApr 22, 2020
Lucia Greene, Former Owner of Wick & Greene Jewelers, Dies at 90
She was a compassionate and generous person whose “sweet and feisty spirit will forever be a part of everyone who knew her.”
Asheville, N.C.—Lucia Greene, who owned and operated Wick & Greene Jewelers (now Spicer Greene) for decades with her husband, died April 18.
She was 90 years old. 
She spent her childhood in North Asheville, North Carolina, and eventually moved to West Asheville.
She attended school in the Asheville City School system, graduating from Lee Edwards High School, and was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Greene married the love of her life, the late jeweler Paul Greene, in 1948. The two were married for 63 years before his passing in 2011.
She was a hard worker her whole life, according to an online obituary.
Greene worked as an operator at the Southern Bell telephone company, a bookkeeper and personal assistant at Matthews Ford, and, once her children were in school, alongside her husband at Wick and Greene Jewelers.
Together, the two grew the business into one of the premier jewelers in the country.
It became Spicer Greene Jewelers in 2016 and is now helmed by the fourth generation, their granddaughter Eva-Michelle Spicer and her husband, Elliott.
Greene’s family said she was a loving and dedicated wife as well, and a devoted mother to her children, Michael Greene (wife, Eva) and Paula (Greene) Webb (husband, Steve).
She was “especially proud” of her three grandchildren—Christopher Webb and wife, Jennifer; Paul Webb and wife, Jessica; and Eva-Michelle and Elliott—and loved visits from her great-grandson, Caleb Webb.
Greene’s family was her greatest pride and joy, and it extended in her later years to include the caregivers and her three closest friends at the Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community.
She was an ardent animal lover and philanthropist, supporting several causes benefitting her church, local animal agencies and her city.
Together with Paul and their son Michael, they were the pioneers who led the revitalization of downtown Asheville in the 1980s.
Greene taught everyone compassion, humility, generosity, perseverance and love, the obituary said, adding, “She will be missed, but her sweet and feisty spirit will forever be a part of everyone who knew her.”
Due to the current pandemic, the family will hold an intimate graveside service, with a celebration of Greene’s life to take place at a later date.
A charitable endowment has been established in Paul and Lucia Greene’s name to help young entrepreneurs.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paul and Lucia Greene Charitable Endowment at the Community Foundation of WNC at 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Asheville, NC 28803.
Donations also may be made to Calvary Baptist Church at 531 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806; Memory Care at 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville NC 28803; or to the Asheville Humane Society at 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.
Donations also may be made to Calvary Baptist Church at 531 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806; Memory Care at 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville NC 28803; or to the Asheville Humane Society at 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
