IndependentsJan 03, 2025
Kelly Newton, Shipley Award Winner and Devoted Family Man, Dies at 74Newton owned and operated Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and is remembered for being positive, honest, and loving.
Events & AwardsJan 28, 2020
Colored Stone Wholesaler Intercolor Celebrates Turning 40
They’re inviting the trade to fête the occasion with them in Tucson.
Intercolor is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020, led by four brothers. From left to right: Afshin (Alan) Hackman, Benjamin Hackman, Daniel Hackman and David Hackman.
New York—Making it to 40 years in business is no small feat, and one colored stone dealer wants the trade to celebrate the occasion with them, appropriately, in Tucson.
This year, New York-based wholesaler Intercolor is fêting four decades in the gem world.
Brothers Benjamin and Daniel Hackman founded the company in 1980, inspired by their late uncle who was in the loose colored stones business in London starting in the late 1950s.
Afshin (Alan) then joined in 1981, followed by David in 1984.
For the past four decades, the brothers have brought fine rubies, emeralds, sapphires and tanzanite weighing 1 carat or more to the market, traveling across the world to source them.
Not surprisingly, several things in the business have changed since Intercolor first started operating.
One key thing, Afshin told National Jeweler, is that with all the information the internet has brought to their fingertips, buyers’ perceptions of colored stones have changed and they’re shopping with even more knowledge.
And all the better for it, he added.
“When you have an educated client and they look at a gemstone to buy, at least they have a good idea of what they’re looking at,” he said.
“It takes a lot of effort and talent, I always say, to take someone’s hard-earned cash and give them a tiny piece of rock in return. So, if they have dug out some information on their own, at least it helps make the transition smoother.”
Another key factor that’s changed the colored stone sector is the ease of taking pictures of product and sending them instantly to clients.
“Nowadays … taking pictures and sending information beforehand has drastically improved the memo-sales ratio for everybody,” Hackman said. “This is also one of the biggest differences I’ve seen from 35 years ago.”
He noted decades ago, they’d sometimes ship as many as 40 or 50 packages a day but would get about 90 percent of them back in the mail because “more than half the time, the client’s perception of what they were receiving in the mail was different from what you explained. Now, with all the pictures and image-taking, at least right off the bat, they’ll rule out what they don’t like.”
The four decades in business has been filled with as many highlights as changes.
When asked what he’s most proud of as they mark the big milestone, Hackman noted the
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
values by which they’ve run their company—honesty first, followed not far behind by customer service and supplier service.
“At a very young age, I was taught by my late father that if you want to stay in business for a long time, you always treat your suppliers the same as you treat your clients.”
There were also notable moments like Benjamin Hackman serving as president of American Gem Trade Association and the International Colored Stone Association.
The company now also includes the second generation—Daniel’s son Ivan has been with Intercolor for the last 18 years, and David’s son Zachary plans to join in June 2021, when he finishes his studies.
Because of how it went for them, as well as a very good season for many of their clients, the brothers are anticipating a strong show when they exhibit at the upcoming AGTA GemFair in Tucson.
Fittingly, it’s also out in the desert that they’re inviting everyone to celebrate the anniversary.
Anyone with an AGTA GemFair or GJX badge can join them at Intercolor’s 40th anniversary party on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Culinary Dropout on East Grant Road.
“At a very young age, I was taught by my late father that if you want to stay in business for a long time, you always treat your suppliers the same as you treat your clients.”
There were also notable moments like Benjamin Hackman serving as president of American Gem Trade Association and the International Colored Stone Association.
The company now also includes the second generation—Daniel’s son Ivan has been with Intercolor for the last 18 years, and David’s son Zachary plans to join in June 2021, when he finishes his studies.
RELATED CONTENT: 8 Predictions for the 2020 Tucson Gem ShowsThey are also coming off one of Intercolor’s best holiday seasons in history, according to Hackman.
Because of how it went for them, as well as a very good season for many of their clients, the brothers are anticipating a strong show when they exhibit at the upcoming AGTA GemFair in Tucson.
Fittingly, it’s also out in the desert that they’re inviting everyone to celebrate the anniversary.
Anyone with an AGTA GemFair or GJX badge can join them at Intercolor’s 40th anniversary party on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Culinary Dropout on East Grant Road.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Intercolor USA (@intercolorusa) on Jan 3, 2020 at 11:47am PST
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJan 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renna’s ‘Butterfly Caspian’ NecklaceBegin 2025 with a butterfly intaglio symbolizing change and transformation.
CrimeJan 02, 2025
Rolex Sale That Went South Led to Murder of Florida Jeweler, Report SaysJeweler Anthony D’Amore was found dead inside his office Dec. 23, marking the fourth jeweler killed on the job in 2024, according to JSA.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
WatchesJan 02, 2025
Ben Bridge Opens Tudor Boutique in HonoluluThe opening marks Tudor’s first location in Hawaii.
Weekly QuizDec 27, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 02, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Ruby Mining in MozambiqueThe miner temporarily halted operations on Dec. 24 following an invasion at the mine.
TrendsJan 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: New Year, New Jewels Set the tone for 2025 and commemorate the year gone by with glamorous jewelry fit for celebration.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
IndependentsDec 30, 2024
In Memoriam: Jewelry Industry Leaders and Innovators We Lost in 2024From groundbreaking designers to dedicated retailers, National Jeweler pays tribute to the colleagues we bid farewell to this year.
MajorsDec 30, 2024
Saks Global Finalizes Acquisition of Neiman MarcusThe retailer’s portfolio now includes Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Saks Off 5th.
IndependentsDec 30, 2024
MJSA Elects New Board ChairEdward N. DeCristofaro, who served as MJSA’s board chair from 2012 to 2014, is returning to the role.
MajorsDec 27, 2024
Buccellati to Expand Workforce by 500 Employees Over Next Three YearsThe Richemont-owned company is investing in its jewelry production and watchmaking workshops.
SourcingDec 27, 2024
IDCA Announces 2025 Board MembersManoj Bhandari, a principal of RMC Gems Inc., is the new president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association.
Events & AwardsDec 27, 2024
18 Designers Graduate from WJA’s Jewelry Loupe ProjectThe designers participated in a six-month business development and mentorship program to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B DealMembers of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las VegasThe brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald MiningThe move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New CampaignThe retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
