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.
SourcingOct 17, 2018
‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ Goes for $50K
The trademark and web domain for the famous phrase was auctioned off among other IP and inventory belonging to Firestar Diamond and Fantasy Inc.
A grouping of rings and wedding bands manufactured by Firestar Diamond Inc., one of the three U.S.-based, Nirav-Modi-owned companies that filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Intellectual property and inventory belonging to Firestar and Fantasy Inc. were sold between Sept. 26 and Oct. 4. (Photo credit: Firestar Diamond Inc.)
New York—Intellectual property and loads of engagement rings, wedding bands and other diamond jewelry made by Nirav Modi’s former companies have been sold.
Richard Levin, the trustee handing the Chapter 11 bankruptcy case for Firestar Diamond Inc. and Fantasy Inc., said he conducted sales of Firestar and Fantasy inventory between Sept. 26 and Oct. 4 in New York.
Among the items finding buyers was the trademark on and web domain for a well-known song with the word “diamonds” in the title.
Court papers filed Sept. 27 show that a company called ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC paid $50,000 to use “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in the United States, Canada and the European Union.
According to Moody’s, ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC does business as Authentic Brands Group, a New York-based company that owns more than 30 brands including Neil Lane and Judith Leiber as well as Marilyn Monroe, meaning it owns the right to make and sell products bearing the late actress’ image and likeness.
Monroe is the one who made “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” famous, singing it in the 1953 screen adaptation of “Gentleman Prefer Blondes” while surrounded by well-dressed men offering her jewels.
Authentic Brands Group did not respond to request for comment on its future plans for “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
All told, the late September/early October sales of IP and inventory that once belonged to Firestar Diamond and Fantasy Inc. totaled about $5.7 million.
Closeout company SimplexDiam Inc. bought a big chunk of the inventory that was offered, paying $1.9 million for 28 lots of jewelry that included diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, court records show.
CEO Yogesh Madhvani said the company will have the bulk of what it bought available for purchase at the upcoming JIS Miami show, which is scheduled for Oct. 19 to 22 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Other significant purchases included:
— KGS Jewels Inc. paid $340,000 cash for three lots of intellectual property, including two proprietary diamond cuts, the “Patriot Star” and “A Perfect Cut;”
— H.K. Designs paid $169,000 cash for the trademark on “Diamond Hub,” an Amazon storefront;
— JewelEx New York Ltd. bought the IP for Firestar’s contour band for $410,000;
— Diamond Traders International Ltd. bought 13 lots of jewelry, castings and findings for about $850,000 total; and
— Fairway Diamond Inc. bought 10 lots of loose diamonds and
jewelry for a total of $543,700 in cash.
Levin said the items sold represent a “substantial portion” of what remains of the two companies, which filed for bankruptcy back in February after news broke that the companies’ owner, Modi, had been implicated in a scheme to bilk India’s Punjab National Bank out of $2 billion.
All purchases are subject to approval by the federal judge handling the bankruptcy case.
Levin said he still has “substantial inventory” remaining and is working with advisors on ways to market it.
Levin said the items sold represent a “substantial portion” of what remains of the two companies, which filed for bankruptcy back in February after news broke that the companies’ owner, Modi, had been implicated in a scheme to bilk India’s Punjab National Bank out of $2 billion.
All purchases are subject to approval by the federal judge handling the bankruptcy case.
Levin said he still has “substantial inventory” remaining and is working with advisors on ways to market it.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
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.
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.
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.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
