CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
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/.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
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.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
