The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
Man Found Guilty of Ordering 2004 Murder of Diamond Dealer
Federal authorities say Hector Rivera paid two men $30,000 to kill diamond dealer Eduard Nektalov.
New York--Thirteen years after a Manhattan diamond dealer was shot dead in the middle of a crowded sidewalk on Sixth Avenue, the man accused of orchestrating his killing has been found guilty.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced Monday that following a six-day trial in front of federal Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, a jury found 65-year-old Hector Rivera guilty of conspiring to commit murder for hire, murder for hire and using a firearm to commit murder.
On May 20, 2004, a diamond dealer named Eduard Nektalov, 46, was gunned down at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 47th Street at about 7:20 p.m.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the shooter--whom the New York Post identified in a 2014 article on Diamond District crime as a “drug-addicted ex-con” named Carlos Fortier--followed Nektalov from his family’s jewelry store, Roman Jeweler on 47th Street, and shot him once in the head and twice in the back.
Rivera, described by prosecutors as the leader of a violent robbery crew, paid Fortier and another man a combined total of $30,000 to kill Nektalov because of “a business dispute between Nektalov and one of Rivera’s criminal associates,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
In 2003, Nektalov was one of about a dozen 47th Street jewelers arrested and charged in what federal authorities called “Operation Meltdown.” They were accused of laundering Colombian drug money via gold that they melted down into everyday objects, like belt buckles, that could then be smuggled out of the country.
According to a 2004 profile on Nektalov by New York magazine, he and his father, Roman, were two of the three suspects who did not plead guilty in the case. Nektalov’s murder took place about two months before his trial was slated to begin, though it was never made clear if the two were connected.
Rivera faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for April 11, 2018, before Judge Engelmayer.
The Latest

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.


Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

The New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.

Longtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.

First-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.