AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
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.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
