SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
MajorsApr 28, 2016
Richline Buys Custom Jewelry Site Gemvara
The online retailer, which has what is probably the most coveted customization software in the jewelry industry, was acquired for an undisclosed sum.
This screenshot of Gemvara.com taken Wednesday afternoon shows the website’s customization software at work. Richline now owns the website and plans to integrate the customization software into its own sites and that of retailers that carry its brands.
New York--The Richline Group announced Wednesday that it has acquired Gemvara, the online-only retailer that’s built its business around custom jewelry, for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition gives Richline Group control of what is probably the most coveted customization software in the jewelry industry.
“We believe there’s a much bigger digital presence required for the future in the jewelry business,” Richline Chief Marketing Officer Mark Hanna told National Jeweler on Wednesday. “We felt we could build the expertise over time, or we could find the expertise.
“We don’t find that there’s any better innovative online experience in the jewelry industry than what Gemvara’s platform provides for the consumers.”
He said Richline will integrate the Gemvara technology into websites such as those for Chrysalis, the bracelet brand it acquired last year, and Honora, both of which already sell direct to consumers online. This, however, remain a “small business” for Richline, he said, with their retail sales primarily being used to provide data to help retailers.
The manufacturer and marketer also will allow its retail customers to integrate Gemvara’s customization technology into their websites, beginning with a couple of jewelers later this year and then expanding in 2017.
“We felt we could build the expertise over time or we could find the expertise. We don’t find that there’s any better innovative online experience in the jewelry industry than what Gemvara’s platform provides for the consumers.”--Mark Hanna, The Richline GroupThe e-tailer also will continue to do what it has done since its founding in 2006: sell jewelry direct to consumers online.
Although Gemvara has experimented with pop-up shops in the past, Hanna said it is “not in their plans at all” for it to do so in the future.
Gemvara will maintain its offices in Boston and has retained most of its employees, though CEO Matt Nichols acknowledged in an interview with a Boston technology publication that there were some layoffs as a result of the acquisition.
The company’s top management, President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Blotner and Nichols, will remain with Gemvara as well. Hanna said Richline’s plans are to grow the Gemvara staff from here.
Nichols joined Gemvara in 2011 as chief financial officer after working on the corporate development team at Google and as a principal at Highland Capital Partners, which invested in Gemvara.
He was promoted to CEO in March 2015, succeeding
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Janet Holian, who became CEO after Gemvara founder Matt Lauzon, who started with the company with co-founder Jason Reuben as Paragon Lake, stepped down.
Blotner did not respond to request for comment on the acquisition Wednesday.
New York-based Richline Group is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the Warren Buffett-led conglomerate that also owns Ben Bridge Jeweler and Helzberg Diamonds.
Blotner did not respond to request for comment on the acquisition Wednesday.
New York-based Richline Group is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the Warren Buffett-led conglomerate that also owns Ben Bridge Jeweler and Helzberg Diamonds.
The Latest
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
