Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.
Connecticut Jeweler Killed in Suspected Armed Robbery
Mark Vuono, owner of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut, was found dead in his store Saturday afternoon.

Stamford, Conn.—Jewelry store owner Mark Vuono, 69, was found dead Saturday afternoon in what is being investigated as an armed robbery.
A customer entered Marco Jewelers around 2:45 p.m. and, suspecting a crime had taken place, called the police, according to a press release from the Stamford Police Department posted to its Facebook page.
Police and medical personnel arrived to find that Vuono had been shot. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is performing an autopsy, and the Stamford Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit is processing evidence.
This is the first homicide of a jeweler in the United States since Jan. 10, 2018, according to Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
“In addition to the professional criminals who usually attack the jewelry industry, other desperate people may be joining them,” the JSA said in special bulletin sent out Monday.
During the coronavirus pandemic, there is a risk that jewelers may see “less experienced and violent suspects” robbing independent jewelry stores that are open as other stores remain closed, JSA warned.
RELATED CONTENT: Store Security, Safe Teleworking in the Time of COVID-19Stamford police are asking anyone with information to contact an investigator at 203-977-4417.
Vuono had deep ties in the Stamford community.
The family-owned store opened in 1974 and his grandmother was the founder of the Palace Theatre in Waterbury, according to a local report.
Commenters took to the store’s Facebook page to express their condolences.
“What a wonderful and sweet man,” one person wrote, while another said, “I am devastated by this news. What a tremendous loss.”
The Latest

Jeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.

Artisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

As for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.


Jacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.

Heidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

The jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.

The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.

Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.

At Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

A new word appears on the dial each day of the week.

Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

AGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.