He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
Nelson Coleman Jewelers Takes Home Maryland Business Award
The sixth generation-owned store was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2017 Maryland Family Owned Small Business of the Year.

Woodlawn, Maryland--A jewelry store in Maryland has been recognized as the state’s small business of the year.
The U.S. Small Business Administration selected Nelson Coleman Jewelers, located in Towson, about 10 miles outside of Baltimore, as its 2017 Maryland Family Owned Small Business of the Year.
The jewelry store received its award at the 33rd annual Maryland Small Business Week Awards Luncheon in Woodlawn, Maryland earlier this month.
According to the SBA, it selected the winners based on their adherence to a specific set of criteria, which included evidence of success as measured by sales and profits, increased employment opportunities for family members and non-family members in the business, innovativeness of product or service, response to adversity, demonstrated potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth, and community contributions.
Sixth-generation store owner Amanda Coleman-Phelps, along fifth-generation owners Chris and Peggy Coleman, her parents, and Mark Coleman, her uncle, were on hand to accept the award.
“This award is testament not only to a lot of hard work by our family and our new leader Amanda, but to all of the hard work that so many are striving for during these challenging times,” said Chris Coleman.
Nelson Coleman Jewelers was nominated, unbeknownst to them, by the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce, an organization in which they are active.
“This award was a complete surprise to us,” Coleman said. “It is also a testament to staying connected to and involved with our communities. We have been receiving a lot of recognition and excellent PR as a result, and we hope and expect it will translate into more business.”
The Latest

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.


The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.