CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
SourcingJan 25, 2017
Suna Bros.’ Perle Suna Dies at 95
The longtime driving force behind jewelry manufacturer Suna Bros. lived her life with “fierce courage, singular independence and elegant grace.”
Perle Suna wearing Suna Bros.’ Queen Anne’s Lace necklace, her favorite piece of jewelry made by her family’s business.
New York--Perle Suna, the longtime driving force behind jewelry manufacturer Suna Bros. and a beloved figure in the jewelry industry, has died. She was 95.
Born Perle Wurtzel on June 30, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York, Suna graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in English and later earned a master’s in education from Adelphi University.
She married Kenneth Suna--who started Suna Bros. with his brother Joel after apprenticing under jewelers in Warsaw, Poland in the late 1920s--during World War II while he was stationed at an Army/Air Force Base in Florida. The couple eventually settled in Freeport, Long Island and had three children, Aron, Lila and Jonathan.
Suna spent her time in Freeport championing for the disadvantaged.
Then, one day in 1972 she went to work at the Suna Bros. offices on what was supposed to be a temporary basis, filling in for an office manager who had suddenly resigned. After interviewing candidates for three days, she decided that she was best suited to fill the position and so she stayed, for the next 38 years.
During that time, Suna was a driving force behind the company, working alongside her husband until his death in 1975 and then with her two sons.
A member of the American Gem Society, Suna became a certified gemologist and a registered supplier along the way and attended many of the AGS’s annual Conclave events, and was known for hosting a biannual industry party, which many people attended just to be regaled by her.
She also had the chance to be one of the founding members of the Women’s Jewelry Association but declined because she didn’t believe in the exclusivity of the sexes and, instead, championed combined equality.
She retired from Suna Bros. in 2009 when she was 88 years old.
Outside of work, Suna loved Tudor history, opera, bridge, movies and, perhaps most of all, books. She had a nearly lifelong book-a-day habit--her favorite was mystery author Dick Frances--and finished 32,120 titles in her lifetime.
She is survived by her younger sisters, Elaine Surnamer and Delores Siegel; her children; Jonathan, Lila and Aron (Marjorie); and six grandchildren, Kenneth, Claire, Natalie, Carolyn, Phillip and Lauren.
Services took place Monday at Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York.
Contributions may be made in her memory to the Mt. Sinai Visiting Doctors Program or the Anti-Defamation League.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
