AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
EditorsSep 29, 2017
Marie Helene Morrow on What Puerto Rico Needs
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the well-known, and well-loved, jeweler talks about the state of the island she’s called home for five decades.
Jeweler Marie Helene Morrow recommends those who want to help Puerto Rico donate to a charity called United for Puerto Rico. “I know, like everything else, life turns, the clock never stays on one number,” said Morrow, who’s lived on the Caribbean island since the 1960s. “I know we will survive this.”
I first met Marie Helene Morrow in Las Vegas around 2008 or 2009 through my boss at that time, Whitney Sielaff.
Here is an excellent retailer for you to know, he said to me as he introduced me to the woman he was seated across from, and he was right.
For those who don’t know her, Marie Helene owns and operates a total of 12 jewelry stores in Puerto Rico. Her flagship is Reinhold Jewelers in the Plaza Las Américas mall in San Juan, where she carries more than 40 designers.
She is known and loved for having a true passion for the art of jewelry, for being the first to spot talent (like David Yurman back in the day) and, moreover, just for being a very warm and sweet person.
She’s lived on Puerto Rico since the 1960s, but happened to be in Dallas with husband David visiting her daughter when Hurricane Maria hit last week.
Marie Helene hasn’t been able to get back yet but said she’s been in constant contact with neighbors, friends and her 70-plus employees about the situation on the ground.
A week after Maria, there’s still no power in the building where she lives, it’s “very scary” in the streets, there’s very little food and it’s difficult to get water.
Flooding and safety issues forced the closure of all of her stores, though she said she has continued to pay her sales associates. “I consider them my family,” she said, then reinforced that: “They are my family.”
Marie Helene is hopeful that Reinhold Jewelers and her boutiques will be able to reopen soon.
There still is a tremendous need on the island for the basics--food, water, power, clothing, shelter--yes, but Marie Helene said the people also need to feel that things are going to go back to normal.
They also need to feel that they won’t be forgotten.
“I think it’s very important for the island of Puerto Rico and for Puerto Ricans to feel that people still like them and people will still come,” she said.
There are several ways you can help the people of Puerto Rico right now.
The charity Marie Helene recommended is Unidos Por Puerto Rico (United for Puerto Rico), which Beatriz Rosselló, the wife of Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, started.
After Hurricane Irma hit Florida, Jewelers of America expanded the scope of its disaster relief fund, which originally was created for Harvey victims, to include jewelers
in the United States and its territories hit by any natural disaster. This includes Puerto Rico as well as other storm-ravaged Caribbean islands.
As of Thursday afternoon, more than $20,000 had been donated to what is now being called the Jewelers Disaster Relief Fund.
You can donate more on the campaign’s GoFundMe page.
There are also websites, like CharityNavigator.com, that compile lists of highly rated charity organizations that are responding to specific disasters. The site has a page for Hurricane Maria relief.
As of Thursday afternoon, more than $20,000 had been donated to what is now being called the Jewelers Disaster Relief Fund.
You can donate more on the campaign’s GoFundMe page.
There are also websites, like CharityNavigator.com, that compile lists of highly rated charity organizations that are responding to specific disasters. The site has a page for Hurricane Maria relief.
More on Editors
The Latest
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
