MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
IndependentsFeb 10, 2016
Esperanza Diamond on AGS Stores Tour
The 4.62-carat stone, found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, is in the middle of a three-month tour of American Gem Society-member stores.
Ian Douglas of Inspired Jewelry Group designed the pendant that holds the 4.62-carat Esperanza diamond, which has a unique 147-facet, teardrop-cut triolette shape.
New York--The Esperanza diamond is on the move.
The 4.62-carat stone, uncovered at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park in June, is in the middle of a three-month tour across American Gem Society stores so members of the public can see it in person.
The Esperanza is thought to be the most valuable and one of the purest diamonds ever discovered in the United States, and is the fifth largest diamond ever found at the Crater of Diamonds park. In its rough form, the diamond weighed 8.52 carats, and was half the size of a quarter.
Mike Botha of Embee Diamonds cut the stone in-store at Stanley Jewelers Gemologist in North Little Rock, Ark. It took him 130 hours to cut and polish the stone and he used an 800-pound cutting table.
The D color, internally flawless diamond features a unique 147-facet, teardrop-cut triolette shape that is the first of its kind, created by Botha and inspired by the natural icicle shape of the rough diamond. Jeweler Ian Douglas of Inspired Jewelry Group designed the pendant that holds the Esperanza, and it draws attention to the fact that one end of the diamond is wider than the other.
The stone was on display at Summa Jewelers in St. Louis in November, followed by Stanley Jewelers Gemologist in December.
It just finished its residency at Black, Starr & Frost’s Newport Beach, Calif. location and now will be at the company’s Phoenix salon until Jan. 24.
From there, the Esperanza will travel to Molina Fine Jewelers in Phoenix from Jan. 27 to 31, Whiteflash in Houston from Feb. 3 to 7, and then Jacksonville, Fla.’s Underwood’s Jewelers from Feb. 10 to 14.
With an estimated value of $1 million, the diamond is available for purchase through an open bidding process through Black, Starr & Frost until Feb. 15.
Interested parties can contact Adam Graham, vice president and managing director for the Newport Beach Black, Starr & Frost salon. He can be reached at adam@blackstarrfrost.com or at 949-673-1771.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
