CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Brought to you by
How to Build a Successful Multi-Generational Jewelry Business
RDI Diamonds CEO Michael Indelicato shares his advice for taking a family business to the next level.
Brought To You By RDI Diamonds
Written by Michael Indelicato, CEO of RDI Diamonds
With passion and determination, I started RDI Diamonds from my parents’ basement more than 25 years ago. It’s become a family business that now boasts one of the largest active diamond inventories in the world and has consistently experienced tremendous growth. I’m proud to welcome the next generation into the business and excited to see where they will take us.
With passion and determination, I started RDI Diamonds from my parents’ basement more than 25 years ago. It’s become a family business that now boasts one of the largest active diamond inventories in the world and has consistently experienced tremendous growth. I’m proud to welcome the next generation into the business and excited to see where they will take us.
Research shows that family-run businesses like RDI Diamonds tend to outperform their competitors. It’s largely attributed to their long-term investment philosophy, commitment to their employees and suppliers, and strong ties to their communities. But, running a multi-generational business and eventually handing the reins over to younger generations isn’t always a slam dunk. In fact, 40 percent of family businesses are passed down to a second generation, while only 13 percent successfully transition to a third generation and a scant 3 percent make it to a fourth generation or beyond.
Creating a family business is an incredible experience, but it’s not without its challenges and growing pains along the way. It’s often about navigating family dynamics and generational differences, embracing unique perspectives, and being willing to compromise.
If you’re considering bringing family into your jewelry business or starting a new business together, consider these words of advice:
Find a Balance Between the Old Way and the New Way
Long-standing relationships will always be paramount to the jewelry business. Many of the traditional approaches to building them still hold true—think personalized attention and top quality products—but there are also powerful new strategies to explore.
“Things change and if you don’t change, too, your business won’t survive,” said Ted Koester, a third-generation jeweler at Herzog Jewelers. “It’s important to realize that you know what you know, but you’ll never be a master of everything. You need to be willing to explore the unknown, including others’ perspectives, and to regularly communicate to find what works best for your business. It often lies somewhere in the middle of the old way and the new way.”
Embrace Digital
Technology has changed the game for jewelers. While traditional approaches to marketing still have their place, in order to evolve the business you must embrace technology and the new marketing tools it provides. That means going digital. And guess what? Your younger counterparts are digital gurus. Take advantage of their knowledge to create a comprehensive digital strategy, which may include a website revamp, webinars, and digital advertising. A strong digital strategy will enable you to appeal to younger buyers and broaden your reach. It will also improve the buying experience for new and established customers by making it easier and more enjoyable for them to connect with you.
Don’t Discount Taste and Aesthetic Differences
Traversing personal taste is tricky, but it’s important and it touches everything from inventory to ad content. Realize that aesthetics go deeper than just color and photo preferences. If you haven’t updated your look and feel, it’s likely time to refresh your image to appeal to a younger, more diverse mix of shoppers. Younger generations are more emotionally driven and want to see themselves in your ads. Brands including Rare & Forever diamonds cater to everyone by using inclusive images and a fresh approach that earns shoppers’ trust and provides high-quality products they can feel good about purchasing.
Enjoy the Benefits
If you’re among the 5.5 million businesses that are family-owned, count yourself lucky. Working with family to build and sustain a business offers unique advantages: A high level of trust, years of shared wisdom, career training and mentorship, and the possibility of a smooth succession for the business and job retention for your employees.
Owned and operated by family, RDI Diamonds is committed to leveraging the perspectives and skills of each generation within its business. We embrace our values and fresh approaches to offer our customers the highest quality diamonds, a modern shopping experience, and a lifetime commitment to service and support. To find out more about RDI Diamonds, visit https://rdidiamonds.com/.
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
