At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
Suspects in Murder of Connecticut Jeweler in Custody
They were taken into custody in New York on unrelated charges.
Stamford, Conn.—Law enforcement authorities have suspects in custody whom they believe to be responsible for the March 28 robbery and murder of Stamford, Connecticut jewelry store owner Mark Vuono.
The CT Post reported Saturday the suspects were arrested last Tuesday evening (March 31) in New York on unrelated charges, though police are providing few details at this time.
According to the Post, Stamford police Capt. Richard Conklin did not name the suspects, say where they were arrested or how many there are, or specify under which charges they are being held.
He did say that the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office and the state attorney’s office in Stamford assisted his department in making the arrests.
Conklin also said police are moving as quickly as possible in the case but noted their investigation is somewhat hampered by COVID-19, which has forced the closure of some institutions and the reallocation of resources.
Vuono, 69, was found dead in his store on the afternoon of March 28 by a customer who suspected a crime had taken place and called police.
The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by firearm, marking the first murder of a jeweler on the job since January 2018, according to the Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
On Friday, his wife, Ana Maria Vuono, posted a message to the store’s Facebook page.
“The loss of my husband Mark Vuono and father to our sons Andrew and David has left us devastated. He was a hard-working, gentle, kind and caring soul; a fixture of our community for almost 50 years. He loved coming to work every day with a bright smile,” she wrote.
“At this time, we would like to thank our community for your overwhelming support, we have read each and every one of your messages of sympathy and condolences. You have given us strength in our time of sorrow.”
Vuono was born Jan. 16, 1951 in Stamford to Charles and Grace Vuono.
He opened Marco Jewelers with his wife, whom he called Annie, in 1974.
Vuono loved working with his hands, whether he was sizing a ring or doing carpentry, and he and Annie also loved traveling together, both in the United States and abroad.
The family said there is no memorial service planned at this time due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they will
Those interested in sharing condolences online can do so on the Lacerenza Funeral Home website. Memorial trees also can be planted in Vuono’s honor.
The Latest

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.


It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.