CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
TrendsMay 29, 2018
Antique and Estate Jewelry Firm Founder Dies at 76
Camilla Dietz Bergeron started her eponymous company with business partner Gus Davis in 1989.
New York--Camilla Dietz Bergeron, who started an antique and estate jewelry company after working on Wall Street in the ‘70s and ‘80s, died May 20 at the age of 76.
Her eponymous New York-based firm shared the news of its founder’s passing in its e-newsletter sent out May 21, writing: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend, mentor and colleague Camilla Dietz Bergeron. Camilla … found great success on Wall Street before making her indelible mark in the jewelry world. 
Born March 11, 1942 in Covington, Georgia, Bergeron graduated from Vanderbilt University and then moved to New York City to pursue a career on Wall Street.
She was a founding partner of Furman, Selz, Mager, Dietz and Birney Inc. in 1973, a firm that specialized in funding for small- and mid-sized companies and was sold to Xerox in 1987.
“There are many things in life that I wanted to achieve and being on Wall Street was just one of them,”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Bergeron is quoted as saying on her antique and estate jewelry company’s website. “I love the challenge of starting something new and watching it grow and blossom.”
In 1989, Bergeron started something else new—Camilla Dietz Bergeron Ltd., which she launched with business partner Gus Davis, a specialist in colored gemstones such as Burmese rubies, Kashmir sapphires and Colombian emeralds.
Over 26 years, Bergeron and Davis built a company that buys and sells antique, estate and period jewelry, with a special emphasis on the Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro periods. Among the many purchases the pair made over the years was the emerald and diamond Bulgari ring that Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor on the set of 1963’s “Cleopatra.”
Despite Bergeron’s passing, the New York-based business will continue with Davis at the helm.
Outside of her company, Bergeron was a former executive board member and president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians and a frequent lecturer at museums and for other organizations on jewelry and business topics.
She also was an active Vanderbilt University alumna.
Bergeron is survived by her husband, Jean Maurice Georges Bergeron; one sister, Harriet Nunnally; two goddaughters; and her devoted friend and business partner, Gus Davis.
{embed 368}
In 1989, Bergeron started something else new—Camilla Dietz Bergeron Ltd., which she launched with business partner Gus Davis, a specialist in colored gemstones such as Burmese rubies, Kashmir sapphires and Colombian emeralds.
Over 26 years, Bergeron and Davis built a company that buys and sells antique, estate and period jewelry, with a special emphasis on the Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro periods. Among the many purchases the pair made over the years was the emerald and diamond Bulgari ring that Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor on the set of 1963’s “Cleopatra.”
Despite Bergeron’s passing, the New York-based business will continue with Davis at the helm.
Outside of her company, Bergeron was a former executive board member and president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians and a frequent lecturer at museums and for other organizations on jewelry and business topics.
She also was an active Vanderbilt University alumna.
Bergeron is survived by her husband, Jean Maurice Georges Bergeron; one sister, Harriet Nunnally; two goddaughters; and her devoted friend and business partner, Gus Davis.
{embed 368}
More on Trends
The Latest
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
