Independents

Joseph Samuel Jr., Former DeYoung President, Dies at 92

IndependentsMay 01, 2018

Joseph Samuel Jr., Former DeYoung President, Dies at 92

He was the fourth generation to join the family business and built it into a nationally and internationally recognized firm.

20180501_Joseph-Samuels-Jr.jpg
Joseph H. Samuel Jr., who helped build the family business, J. & S.S. DeYoung, Inc., to a nationally and internationally known business, died April 23 at the age of 92.

New York—Joseph H. Samuel Jr., former president of the wholesaler J. & S.S. DeYoung, Inc., died at home in Beverly, Massachusetts on April 23. He was 92 years old.

After serving in the Navy, Samuel entered the family jewelry business, which was based in Boston, becoming its fourth generation.

He worked with his uncle, Sydney DeYoung, buying and selling fine estate jewels, rare gems and historical pieces.

According to the family, Samuel was instrumental in building the business into a nationally and internationally recognized firm. He traveled often in his early years with J. & S.S. DeYoung to build relationships the company still has today.

New York was a big part of that travel, leading him to open an office in the city in the 1970s.

He also went to a number of domestic and international auctions, recognizing early on the business potential that the Middle East and Asia provided.

Samuel also served on the Gemological Institute of America’s board of governors and was a past president of the Boston Jewelers Club and a former member of the 24 Karat Club.

According to his family, he loved golf, gardening and analyzing stocks; for about 15 years after he retired, Samuel put together a weekly newsletter with his market analysis and sent it to many friends and colleagues.

They added that during the last few weeks of his life, they received an outpouring of warm messages about Samuel, many of which talked about how he was a “true gentleman, and a man of integrity and compassion.”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie.

He is survived by his son, Stuart, and his wife, Gezhi; his daughter Janet Levy and her husband, Alan; his daughter Laurie Mirra and her husband, Tony; and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 8, at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts. Donations can be sent to NF Northeast, 9 Bedford Street, Burlington, MA 01803.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars

Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.

Pandora sparkling bow necklace
FinancialsFeb 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Growth After Strong Holiday Season

In its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.

Seal & Scribe “Freedom Moon” Ring
TrendsFeb 05, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Feeling Fabulous in February

Celebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Diamond Council of America logo
MajorsFeb 05, 2025
DCA Promotes Kristen Scheetz to Director of Education, Membership

Scheetz has been with the nonprofit since 2007.

Weekly QuizJan 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Trucks at the Orapa diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingFeb 04, 2025
New Deal With Botswana Is Done, De Beers Confirms

The agreement will allocate an increasing proportion of the country’s rough diamonds to the government of Botswana over the next decade.

Van Clef & Arpels Diane (Diana) Clip
Events & AwardsFeb 04, 2025
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Astronomy-Inspired Jewelry to Land at AMNH

“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry From the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opens April 11 at the American Museum of Natural History.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Chocolate box ring by Mined + Found
SurveysFeb 04, 2025
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Spending Forecast to Hit Record High, Says NRF

Those celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.

Lady Gaga Tiffany & Co.  necklace worn to the 2025 Grammys
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Best Jewelry Moments From the 2025 Grammy Awards

From Lady Gaga’s 1930s Tiffany & Co. necklace to Taylor Swift’s “T,” Michelle Graff recaps the night’s most memorable jewelry looks.

HSN+ QVC+ logos on a television, laptop, and phone screen
MajorsFeb 03, 2025
Qurate to Close HSN’s Florida HQ Amid Restructuring

Layoffs will reportedly start next month as HSN plans to move into QVC’s location in Pennsylvania.

Jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey looking at colored gemstones
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Q&A: 5 Jewelry Designers on Shopping the 2025 Tucson Gem Shows

A group of creatives talked to Associate Editor Lauren McLemore about their approach to the annual Tucson gem, mineral, and fossil shows.

Elizabeth Taylor diamond bracelet
AuctionsJan 31, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Bracelet Outshines Estimate at U.K. Auction

The auction also featured the sale of a Cartier necklace made when Egyptomania was sweeping Great Britain.

Lalaounis Blossom Rosette charm
CollectionsJan 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Good Luck Charm for 2025

The “Blossom Rosette” blooms with love, beauty, and hope for the year ahead.

Three diamonds in a row
Events & AwardsJan 31, 2025
Facets of Fire Has a Diamond Challenge for Retailers

For every jeweler who tries their luck, the company will make a donation to Jewelers for Children.

Women’s Jewelry Association logo
MajorsJan 30, 2025
WJA Chapter Leaders Resign as Fallout From DEI Remarks Snowballs

The boards of at least five chapters have resigned in response to controversial statements the WJA national board president made last month.

Jewelry writer and curator Melanie Grant
Policies & IssuesJan 30, 2025
RJC Executive Director Melanie Grant Is Stepping Down

An experienced jewelry writer and curator, Grant led the organization for two years.

Pharrell Williams and Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams Tahitian Pearl Necklace
CollectionsJan 30, 2025
Pharrell Williams Brings Tahitian Pearls to His New Tiffany & Co. Collection

Five new designs were added, all donning Tahitian cultured pearls and spear-like trident motifs, along with the new “Titan” setting.

Converge 2025 logo
Events & AwardsJan 30, 2025
Registration Open for Converge 2025

The inaugural event is being co-hosted by the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America.

Annie Doresca, Jake Duneier, John W. Ford Sr., Margot Grinberg, and Ivette Stephanopoulos
MajorsJan 30, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Elects 5 New Members

Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. are among the new members.

Boucheron Scarabée Rhinocéros ring/brooch and Chardon necklace
CollectionsJan 29, 2025
Boucheron’s High Jewelry Takes the Form of ‘Untamed Nature’

The jeweler’s latest high jewelry collection looks into the Boucheron archives to create a “living encyclopedia of high jewelry.”

Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Bone Cuff
FinancialsJan 29, 2025
LVMH Watch, Jewelry Sales End the Year Down

Watch and jewelry sales slipped 3 percent in 2024, though the luxury conglomerate did see business pick up in the fourth quarter.

Olivier Kessler-Gay
MajorsJan 29, 2025
Chanel Names New General Manager of Watches, Fine Jewelry for US

Olivier Kessler-Gay will take over the role on March 3.

Stock image of couple shopping for jewelry
SurveysJan 29, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips for Second Consecutive Month

It hit a four-month low in January due to concerns about the job market, though consumers remain bullish about the stock market.

Chris Ploof 6 Mokume Gane Rings
Events & AwardsJan 29, 2025
Chris Ploof To Teach Mokume Gane at AJS

The jewelry designer and master metalsmith will present on the ancient Japanese metalworking technique at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in March.

WFDB Moments campaign
SourcingJan 28, 2025
WFDB Joins Efforts to Promote Natural Diamonds With New Campaign

The “Moments” social media campaign emphasizes the emotional ties between natural diamonds and life’s special milestones.

Bliss Lau As We Are Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 28, 2025
Bliss Lau Celebrates the Intricate Mosaic of Identity in New Collection

The versatile “As We Are” collection features 14 pieces with interlocking designs allowing for 27 different looks worn around the body.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy