Supplier BulletinSep 04, 2025
A Brilliant Future Is HereSponsored by GIA
TrendsFeb 19, 2020
Silver, Jewelry Historian Rosalie Berberian Dies at 92
She was an author and a pioneer in recognizing the importance of Arts and Crafts jewelry and metalwork.
New Haven, Conn.—Author and jewelry historian Rosalie Berberian died Feb. 8 at her home in New Haven, Connecticut.
She was 92 years old. 
She married the late Karnig A. Berberian in 1954, and the two ended up eventually settling in New Haven, where they raised their son, Aram D. Berberian.
After falling in love with a small fishing village on Martha’s Vineyard called Menemsha in the late ‘60s, they spent summers there in their small cottage, where Berberian enjoyed beachcombing.
According to an online obituary, Berberian was “fiercely independent and an early feminist,” and had a love for learning that led to her earning post-graduate degrees from Yale University, where she was a faculty member at the School of Public Health and engaged in research.
She eventually turned her hobby of going to tag sales and flea markets into a full-time career, starting ARK Antiques with her husband after she retired from Yale.
She continued to research as she collected and learned about American art pottery from the Arts and Crafts period (approximately 1880-1920), eventually becoming president of the American Art Pottery Association.
ARK Antiques eventually became known as a leading authority on American silver, jewelry and metalwork from the Arts and Crafts period.
Berberian loved helping clients develop their collections as well as teaching and sharing.
One of her favorite activities, her family said, was to attend the annual Arts and Crafts Conference in Asheville, North Carolina, where she would inspire many with her speaking and group discussions.
Gail Brett Levine, executive director of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, recalled Berberian, whom she referred to as a “powerhouse,” in the early days of Jewelry Camp at the University of Maine.
“She was one of those rare individuals who presented without reading her notes; she would look at the slide and off she went,” Levine told National Jeweler. “One was spellbound!”
Berberian seemed to have that effect on many.
According to a tribute column in the Arts & Crafts Collector, she left the stage at the Arts and Crafts Conference last February—she was up there at the age of 91—after a 50-minute talk to “an extended standing ovation.”
In February 2019, her book, “Creating Beauty: Jewelry and Enamels of the American Arts & Crafts Movement,” was published, representing the culmination of her work in the field, an
accomplishment of which she was very proud.
She also won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the conference for her contributions to the field.
Berberian is survived by her son, Aram; his wife, Theresa; and grandchildren Katharine, Caroline and Dmitri.
Her family said that, true to her pragmatic nature, Berberian did not want to have formal funeral services.
She also won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the conference for her contributions to the field.
Berberian is survived by her son, Aram; his wife, Theresa; and grandchildren Katharine, Caroline and Dmitri.
Her family said that, true to her pragmatic nature, Berberian did not want to have formal funeral services.
More on Trends
The Latest
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
