Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
MajorsMar 09, 2016
Unique Settings Sued for Allegedly Failing to Pay Overtime
A former jewelry polisher has filed a collective action lawsuit against manufacturer Unique Settings of New York claiming that he put in 45- to 52-hour work weeks but wasn’t compensated at all for overtime.
Brooklyn, N.Y.--Unique Settings of New York is facing a collective action lawsuit for allegedly failing to pay non-exempt employees overtime and not providing them with accurate wage statements on payday.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Brooklyn on behalf of former Unique employee Patricio Vizuette and “all others similarly situated” against D.C. Group Inc. (d/b/a Unique Settings of New York) and its owner, Ozan Ekmel (Mel) Anda.
In the suit, Vizuette alleges that while employed at Unique between July 2008 and November 2014, he put in between 45 and 52 1/2 hours every week, starting at 9 a.m. and ending around 6 or 8 each night with a half-hour break for lunch.
Despite the fact that he was putting in nine, 10- or 11-hour days, he claims he was never paid for any hours over 40 “at any rate of pay, let alone at the minimum wage rate of pay, his regular rates of pay, or his overtime rates of pay,” court papers state.
Like all non-exempt workers, Vizuette was entitled to overtime (time and a half) under the New York Labor Law, the New York Compensation Codes Rules and Regulations, and the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
The lawsuit also alleges that the jewelry manufacturer did not provide employees with proper, accurate wage statements on each payday, as required by the New York Labor Law.
Unique, the lawsuit alleges, “acted in the manner described herein so as to maximize their profits while minimizing their labor costs.”
Scott Ohnegian of Riker Danzig, the attorney representing D.C. Group/Unique in the case, said that Unique intends to “defend itself very vigorously” against the allegations raised in the lawsuit.
He also said that Vizuette was fired from Unique for allegedly stealing gold and might have become “disgruntled” with the company after they tried to block him from collecting unemployment.
Vizuette filed his lawsuit back in July.
In early February, attorneys for both D.C. Group/Unique and Vizuette, who is represented by Borrelli & Associates P.L.L.C., agreed that notice could be distributed to former and current manual laborers for the company, informing them that they might be entitled to join a lawsuit that alleges they did not receive proper overtime compensation. The notice covers employees who worked at Unique as far back as July 29, 2012.
Because it is a federal collective action--not a class action--current and former employees
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
must opt in to become part of the lawsuit. (In class actions, potential plaintiffs must opt out.)
Vizuette is seeking to recover his full payment of unpaid minimum wages, overtime compensation and liquidated damages.
Vizuette is seeking to recover his full payment of unpaid minimum wages, overtime compensation and liquidated damages.
The Latest
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
