Sourcing

Remembering John Parrish, Photographer Who Lived for Now

SourcingApr 12, 2016

Remembering John Parrish, Photographer Who Lived for Now

The renowned gemstone photographer died on April 1 from injuries sustained in a fall on a camping trip. He was 65.

20160412_John-Parrish.jpg

Dallas--John Parrish, the renowned gemstone photographer who lived life to the fullest, died April 1 after he fell while preparing ropes for rock climbing on a camping trip in Oklahoma. He was 65.

Born Nov. 18, 1950, Parrish, owner of Parrish Photography, is known in the jewelry industry for his amazing close-up shots of gemstones and jewelry, shooting for stones companies, designers and competitions like the American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum Awards.

He was an optimistic, steadfast and creative man who, in addition to photography, loved his family, nature and placed great importance on what he called “the gift of now”--being fully present in the moment.

Parrish was active with his church, Greenland Hills United Methodist, and worked with an organization called HATS (High Adventure Treks for Dads and Daughters), a Dallas-based nonprofit that promotes communication between fathers and their daughters through outdoor experiences and activities.

His “passion, artistry, dedication to excellence, creativity, his love for people, and his sincere desire to find a solution that worked for everyone will be missed,” his partner of 27 years, Trish, said in a statement. “He lives in us. We are all better for having known him.”

Parrish is survived by his wife, Trish; the two daughters who were his life, Karen Dove and Kaila Rose; three sisters, Maggie Parrish (California); Mila and Lee Biberdorf (Arizona); and Martha and Michael Bush (Pennsylvania); and many other loved ones.

Services were held Saturday.

The family is asking for memorial gifts to be given to the Greenland Hills Memorial Garden, where a garden is being built in Parrish’s memory. Checks can be sent to Greenland Hills Memorial UMC Memorial Garden, 5835 Penrose, Dallas, TX 75206.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

New York City FC winning the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy in 2021
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports History

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Exhibitor at JIS
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure Program

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

Melanie Georgacopoulos Eclipse Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ Collection

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show Buying

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Mugshot of 20-year-old Landen Julian Ballard of Vero Beach, Florida
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in Florida

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

Gild Zadok, Segev Zadok, and Jonathan Zadok at Austin park
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower Preservation

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Gemist new retailer offering
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization Offering

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Hand putting gas pump in car
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas Prices

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy