CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent CalendarsThe trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.
MajorsMay 11, 2015
Watch, jewelry veteran Steve Shonebarger dies
The longtime executive who held positions with Corum, Bulgari, Harry Winston and, most recently, de Grisogono passed away suddenly on Sunday.
Chantilly, Va.--Steve Shonebarger, an industry veteran who held positions with various firms throughout his decades-long career in watches and jewelry, died suddenly on Sunday. He was 66.
According to his current employer, Shonebarger died shortly after returning home from a company trip for de Grisogono USA, where he was working as vice president of wholesale for the U.S. market.
Shonebarger’s career in the jewelry industry spanned more than 25 years.
In the early to mid-1990s, he worked as the senior vice president of merchandising and marketing for Mayors jewelers in Miami before moving on to Harry Winston and then Bulgari, holding the title of senior vice president at both.
In 2009, Shonebarger became executive vice president and chief operating officer of Corum North America when its Swiss parent company, Montres Corum SRL, bought out and reorganized Corum USA LLC. At the time of his appointment, Corum CEO Antonio Calce said the brand would benefit from Shonebarger’s sound experience in the U.S. market.
He held various roles with Corum for a little over five years, eventually relocating to Chantilly, Va.
In March of this year, he accepted the position of vice president of wholesale in the U.S. for Geneva-based watch and jewelry brand de Grisogono.
Shonebarger is survived by five children, Shannon Steven and Brandon Leo Shonebarger, Marissa Victoria Garraux, Sarah Ellen Lokerson and Meredith Christine Beyer; his mother, Mary Elizabeth Beaty Shonebarger; two sisters, Rebecca Jane Grein and Mary Lee Uhl; three brothers, Mark Anthony, Christopher James and William Francis Shonebarger; and six grandchildren, Ryan Keith, Colin Shannon and Steel Gage Shonebarger; Hannah Victoria and Natalie Renae Beyer; and Madeleine Ruth Garraux, with two more expected soon.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Francis Shonebarger.
A native of Lancaster, Ohio, Shonebarger enjoyed sports, particularly the Ohio State Buckeyes and golf, and was known as a pillar of the watch and jewelry industry.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Moser Funeral Home in Warrenton, Va.
A mass of Christian burial is scheduled for Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Chantilly, with interment to follow at Bright View Cemetery in Warrenton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy’s or The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Office of Development, Fund #312269 (Heart & Vascular), P.O. Box 183112, 660 Ackerman Road,
Columbus, OH 43218-3112.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.
Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s CollectionThe line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11MThe rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
