CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
IndependentsFeb 01, 2018
Lee Michaels Moves into Albuquerque
The New Mexico store will be the ninth location for Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry announced this week that it has signed a lease to open a 3,500-square-foot store at ABQ Uptown in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The retailer is renovating a former steak restaurant; here’s what its new store will look like.
Albuquerque, N.M.--Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, a 40-year-old family-owned firm, announced this week that it will open its ninth store this spring.
Located at ABQ Uptown in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the store will be 3,500 square feet and stock David Yurman and Rolex, among other brands.
Ryan Berg, who currently oversees the retailer’s operations in Shreveport, Louisiana and Texas, will be in charge of the Albuquerque store.
Berg told National Jeweler Wednesday that the new Lee Michaels store will be the only authorized Rolex dealer in the state (there were two others but they closed in recent years) and the only store in the state to carry David Yurman.
He said Lee Michaels is promoting from within, relocating the assistant manager of its San Antonio store to Albuquerque to manage the new store.
Also joining the staff on a part-time basis is longtime local jeweler Ron Beauchamp, who made the decision to retire and close Beauchamp Jewelers in 2016. Berg said Beauchamp, a graduate gemologist, will work to help establish Lee Michaels in the community where he has long-standing relationships.
The new Lee Michaels store is expected to open in late May or early June and will be an end cap on ABQ Uptown, an upscale Simon-owned strip mall that includes the state’s only Apple and Lululemon stores.
Berg said they are renovating a space formerly occupied by a steak restaurant.
He said they see “tremendous opportunity” in the market, particularly as the only Rolex and Yurman dealers, as well as in this shopping plaza, which Berg called the “ground zero for high-end retail” in Albuquerque.
Berg added that in an industry that is shrinking, Lee Michaels is growing and pursuing opportunities. The retailer could potentially open a 10th store, though he said they haven’t yet identified a location.
Lee Michael Berg opened Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry in 1978.
Today, the retailer is a member of American Gem Society with locations in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi that do a total of $50 million in sales annually.
The company is run by Lee and his three sons, Ryan, Scott and Chad. Ryan Berg just completed his term as chairman of the board of Jewelers of America while Chad is the current president of the board of directors for the American Gem Society.
More on Independents
The Latest
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This SummerThe retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.
