This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Connecticut Jeweler Killed in Suspected Armed Robbery
Mark Vuono, owner of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut, was found dead in his store Saturday afternoon.

Stamford, Conn.—Jewelry store owner Mark Vuono, 69, was found dead Saturday afternoon in what is being investigated as an armed robbery.
A customer entered Marco Jewelers around 2:45 p.m. and, suspecting a crime had taken place, called the police, according to a press release from the Stamford Police Department posted to its Facebook page.
Police and medical personnel arrived to find that Vuono had been shot. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is performing an autopsy, and the Stamford Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit is processing evidence.
This is the first homicide of a jeweler in the United States since Jan. 10, 2018, according to Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
“In addition to the professional criminals who usually attack the jewelry industry, other desperate people may be joining them,” the JSA said in special bulletin sent out Monday.
During the coronavirus pandemic, there is a risk that jewelers may see “less experienced and violent suspects” robbing independent jewelry stores that are open as other stores remain closed, JSA warned.
RELATED CONTENT: Store Security, Safe Teleworking in the Time of COVID-19Stamford police are asking anyone with information to contact an investigator at 203-977-4417.
Vuono had deep ties in the Stamford community.
The family-owned store opened in 1974 and his grandmother was the founder of the Palace Theatre in Waterbury, according to a local report.
Commenters took to the store’s Facebook page to express their condolences.
“What a wonderful and sweet man,” one person wrote, while another said, “I am devastated by this news. What a tremendous loss.”
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller