CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
SourcingJan 25, 2017
Suna Bros.’ Perle Suna Dies at 95
The longtime driving force behind jewelry manufacturer Suna Bros. lived her life with “fierce courage, singular independence and elegant grace.”
Perle Suna wearing Suna Bros.’ Queen Anne’s Lace necklace, her favorite piece of jewelry made by her family’s business.
New York--Perle Suna, the longtime driving force behind jewelry manufacturer Suna Bros. and a beloved figure in the jewelry industry, has died. She was 95.
Born Perle Wurtzel on June 30, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York, Suna graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in English and later earned a master’s in education from Adelphi University.
She married Kenneth Suna--who started Suna Bros. with his brother Joel after apprenticing under jewelers in Warsaw, Poland in the late 1920s--during World War II while he was stationed at an Army/Air Force Base in Florida. The couple eventually settled in Freeport, Long Island and had three children, Aron, Lila and Jonathan.
Suna spent her time in Freeport championing for the disadvantaged.
Then, one day in 1972 she went to work at the Suna Bros. offices on what was supposed to be a temporary basis, filling in for an office manager who had suddenly resigned. After interviewing candidates for three days, she decided that she was best suited to fill the position and so she stayed, for the next 38 years.
During that time, Suna was a driving force behind the company, working alongside her husband until his death in 1975 and then with her two sons.
A member of the American Gem Society, Suna became a certified gemologist and a registered supplier along the way and attended many of the AGS’s annual Conclave events, and was known for hosting a biannual industry party, which many people attended just to be regaled by her.
She also had the chance to be one of the founding members of the Women’s Jewelry Association but declined because she didn’t believe in the exclusivity of the sexes and, instead, championed combined equality.
She retired from Suna Bros. in 2009 when she was 88 years old.
Outside of work, Suna loved Tudor history, opera, bridge, movies and, perhaps most of all, books. She had a nearly lifelong book-a-day habit--her favorite was mystery author Dick Frances--and finished 32,120 titles in her lifetime.
She is survived by her younger sisters, Elaine Surnamer and Delores Siegel; her children; Jonathan, Lila and Aron (Marjorie); and six grandchildren, Kenneth, Claire, Natalie, Carolyn, Phillip and Lauren.
Services took place Monday at Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York.
Contributions may be made in her memory to the Mt. Sinai Visiting Doctors Program or the Anti-Defamation League.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
