Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
IndependentsMar 22, 2021
Shaftel Diamonds Opens New Showroom
The family-owned jeweler cut the ribbon on a 3,500-square-foot space in Houston, featuring a coffee lounge and outdoor seating.
Shaftel Diamonds is a family-owned-and-operated jeweler based in Houston, Texas. It just opened its new 3,500-square-foot showroom.
Houston—Shaftel Diamonds recently cut the ribbon on a brand-new showroom.
The family-owned jeweler moved from the ground floor of The Jewelry Building, a communal space in Houston where jewelers set up shop, to its own space on nearby San Felipe Street.
The 3,500-square-foot space, which opened in December, features a private showing room, a cocktail and coffee lounge, and outdoor seating.
The showroom was designed to improve the overall customer experience, the company said in a press release about the opening.
“Customers can create their start-to-finish looks by conceptualizing the design with the Shaftels, from picking the stone to manufacturing the piece—every aspect is done under the same roof,” said Shaftel Diamonds.
The jeweler specializes in engagement rings, diamonds, and colored gemstones.
Founder Keith Shaftel started the business in 1978 as a wholesale supplier of loose diamonds and colored gemstones. Its first showroom opened to the public in 2001.
Over the last 42 years, Shaftel Diamonds evolved into a custom jeweler, priding itself on one-of-a-kind inventory. It also operates as a jewelry wholesaler and watch retailer.
The jeweler has styled local and national celebrities with its pieces appearing on fashion expert Melissa Rivers, actress Yara Shahidi, and model Kourtney Kellar.
The Shaftel family is involved in nearly every aspect of the business.
Danny Shaftel, Keith’s son, serves as general manager and runs the business alongside his father.
Danny’s wife, Iris Shaftel, is the fashion consultant, and his daughter Leah Shaftel is the content manager. Gaby Shaftel, Keith’s daughter, is the bookkeeper and office manager.
For more information about Shaftel Diamonds, visit the company’s website.
The family-owned jeweler moved from the ground floor of The Jewelry Building, a communal space in Houston where jewelers set up shop, to its own space on nearby San Felipe Street.
The 3,500-square-foot space, which opened in December, features a private showing room, a cocktail and coffee lounge, and outdoor seating.
The showroom was designed to improve the overall customer experience, the company said in a press release about the opening.
Leah Shaftel, Gaby Shaftel, Danny Shaftel, and Keith Shaftel, alongside employees Meaghan Gorman and Elissa Solis. The Shaftel family fills many roles at the jeweler.
“Customers can create their start-to-finish looks by conceptualizing the design with the Shaftels, from picking the stone to manufacturing the piece—every aspect is done under the same roof,” said Shaftel Diamonds.
The jeweler specializes in engagement rings, diamonds, and colored gemstones.
Founder Keith Shaftel started the business in 1978 as a wholesale supplier of loose diamonds and colored gemstones. Its first showroom opened to the public in 2001.
Over the last 42 years, Shaftel Diamonds evolved into a custom jeweler, priding itself on one-of-a-kind inventory. It also operates as a jewelry wholesaler and watch retailer.
The jeweler has styled local and national celebrities with its pieces appearing on fashion expert Melissa Rivers, actress Yara Shahidi, and model Kourtney Kellar.
The Shaftel family is involved in nearly every aspect of the business.
Danny Shaftel, Keith’s son, serves as general manager and runs the business alongside his father.
Danny’s wife, Iris Shaftel, is the fashion consultant, and his daughter Leah Shaftel is the content manager. Gaby Shaftel, Keith’s daughter, is the bookkeeper and office manager.
For more information about Shaftel Diamonds, visit the company’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
