EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
IndependentsOct 06, 2016
7 Shots of a Fla. Jeweler Preparing for Hurricane Matthew
The team at J.R. Dunn Jewelers has taken a number of precautions to secure the store before the storm makes landfall, learning from its past experiences.
J.R. Dunn Jewelers in Lighthouse Point, Fla. prepares for Hurricane Matthew to make landfall.
Lighthouse Point, Fla.--J.R. Dunn Jewelers has weathered a storm before, and it’s learned from its experiences.
In 2005, Hurricane Wilma hit. Though the store only suffered minor structural damage, it was without power for almost 10 days, leading store owner Jim Dunn to sleep there on an air mattress with a shotgun at his side for the duration.
Once the storm was over, the team continued with clean-up and painting, even as the store remained without power.
They even managed to make a sale, showing one of the store’s regular customers a 3-carat, H color, VS2 clarity diamond out in the parking lot. The setting actually ended up providing just the light right for the diamond to sparkle, and sure enough, they sold the stone.
Now, as Hurricane Matthew nears, and is expected to hit Florida Thursday night, J.R. Dunn Jewelers--located in Lighthouse Point in the southern part of the state--is taking the lessons it learned from Wilma as it prepares the store for the storm.
Sales Manager Andrew Lefton is pictured here in his “Team J.R. Dunn Jewelers” shirt as he helps secure the hurricane shutters before Hurricane Matthew makes landfall. As security of the employees and their families also was a top priority, a number of team members arrived early in the morning to secure the store and then were sent home to allow time for their own preparations.
The company said it learned a few lessons from Hurricane Wilma more than a decade ago--it now has a big commercial generator, and battened down the hatches earlier this time around.
Covering the showcases, unplugging the computers and telephones and moving desk and office supplies to higher ground in case of flooding is an important part of storm prep. Storms shutters were also put on the showroom windows.
The store’s jewelers finalize hurricane preparations.
J.R. Dunn is ready to continue to do business online at all times as the hurricane comes through--the retailer has forwarded its main toll-free number to the e-commerce sales teams’ cell phones to maintain the same level of service. Pictured here is the street-side of the J.R. Dunn e-commerce building, with a little graffiti message to show its online ordering systems will be up no matter how big the storm gets.
The team also added a lighter mood to the messages it left on the blank wooden boards on its e-commerce building, with this one reading “#HurricaneMatthew. A Storm So Nice It Might Hit Twice. #BeSafe,” playing off of some forecasts that the storm could loop around and hit Florida a second time.
Store founder Jim Dunn got in on the action of helping prepare the store before the storm.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
