AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
IndependentsDec 18, 2020
James Breski, Colored Stone Jewelry Wholesaler, Dies at 75
Known for his knowledge, expertise, wit and humor, the industry veteran died from complications related to COVID-19.
James Breski, a longtime wholesaler of colored gemstone jewelry, died Dec. 9 after contracting the coronavirus. He’s pictured here with his daughter, Ashley, who has worked at the company full-time for the last 15 years.
Chicago—James Breski, a longtime colored gemstone and jewelry wholesaler, died Dec. 9 from complications related to COVID-19.
He was 75.
Breski, a certified gemologist, was known for his knowledge and expertise in colored stones.
According to Breski’s daughter, Ashley, who started working at her father’s eponymous company full-time 15 years ago, her paternal grandfather, Joseph, had a butcher shop/grocery store in Chicago where he also sold jewelry and watches.
And that’s exactly where James Breski got his start—he would run errands for his father to the Jewelers Building in Chicago.
Breski also met his wife, Mary, in the industry.
He worked for manufacturer Juergens & Andersen before branching out on his own in 1975, launching his gemstone jewelry brand featuring designs that combine classic forms with a modern touch.
He was highly respected in the industry, and in an online obituary, his family called him an “honest and ethical businessman who forgot to retire.”
Breski was also a proud Chicagoan, Navy veteran and “lifelong frustrated” Chicago Bears fan who also had passion for Shakespeare and all literature, language, theater, music, and art.
His love of the stage was sparked by an uncle who worked as a stage manager on Broadway in New York.
World travel was also a passion and came with the job. Breski had a particular fondness for Bangkok, where he’d go for trade shows, to visit mines, enjoy the city and use as a launching pad to travel to other destinations.
He was also a recreational pilot, so when he was home, he always gave himself time to take to the skies.
Breski was wise, witty, and sarcastic, his family said, spreading love, knowledge, and jokes wherever he went.
A creative through and through with an unending imagination, Breski’s family and friends will fondly remember the character he created with friends during grade school, “Colonel Boodizbee.”
He was 75.
Breski, a certified gemologist, was known for his knowledge and expertise in colored stones.
According to Breski’s daughter, Ashley, who started working at her father’s eponymous company full-time 15 years ago, her paternal grandfather, Joseph, had a butcher shop/grocery store in Chicago where he also sold jewelry and watches.
And that’s exactly where James Breski got his start—he would run errands for his father to the Jewelers Building in Chicago.
Breski also met his wife, Mary, in the industry.
He worked for manufacturer Juergens & Andersen before branching out on his own in 1975, launching his gemstone jewelry brand featuring designs that combine classic forms with a modern touch.
He was highly respected in the industry, and in an online obituary, his family called him an “honest and ethical businessman who forgot to retire.”
Breski was also a proud Chicagoan, Navy veteran and “lifelong frustrated” Chicago Bears fan who also had passion for Shakespeare and all literature, language, theater, music, and art.
His love of the stage was sparked by an uncle who worked as a stage manager on Broadway in New York.
World travel was also a passion and came with the job. Breski had a particular fondness for Bangkok, where he’d go for trade shows, to visit mines, enjoy the city and use as a launching pad to travel to other destinations.
He was also a recreational pilot, so when he was home, he always gave himself time to take to the skies.
Breski was wise, witty, and sarcastic, his family said, spreading love, knowledge, and jokes wherever he went.
A creative through and through with an unending imagination, Breski’s family and friends will fondly remember the character he created with friends during grade school, “Colonel Boodizbee.”
James Breski was a proud grandfather to three and saw his grandchildren almost every day until the coronavirus pandemic hit, his daughter Ashley said.
Breski is survived by his wife Mary; daughter Ashley (Hugh McLaughlin) and grandchildren Anna, Eloise, and Isla; and sister, Kate Breski (Don Richardson).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Joseph Breski, and uncle, Ed Strum.
Breski was still very active in the business up until his death. Ashley and Mary will continue to run James Breski & Co.
There will not be a memorial service for Breski at this time due to the ongoing pandemic. His family said they would notify loved ones regarding future plans.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made in Breski’s name to the Broadway Cares COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made in Breski’s name to the Broadway Cares COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund.
More on Independents
The Latest
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This SummerThe retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.
EditorsApr 09, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in BrazilThe new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet JewelsThe pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.
GradingApr 08, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong KongBonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is SentencedIn March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6MThe 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New AcquisitionThe company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.
Events & AwardsApr 07, 2025
Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote SpeakerBeau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101KA pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade SummitThe event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ CharmThe charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
