CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
IndependentsMay 16, 2018
Florida Jeweler Bob Dubose Dies at 90
He was the third of five generations to work at his family’s jewelry store in Vero Beach.
Vero Beach, Fla.--Jeweler Robert “Bob” Dubose of Vero Beach, Florida jewelry store Dubose & Sons Jewelers died May 3 at the age of 90.
He was part of a long familial legacy in the jewelry industry, representing the third of five generations to work at the family store.
DuBose joined the business in 1946 after serving in the U.S. Navy, his son Mike Dubose told National Jeweler.
He attended Bradley University in Illinois to study jewelry and watch repairs, hand-engraving and business.
“Dad just enjoyed the business,” Mike said. “He went to school to do the watch repair and jewelry repair but he looked at it like he was more of a businessman (who) wanted to learn the whole business so he could manage his employees.”
The elder Dubose was involved in his community beyond just being the local jeweler.
Mike explained, “He also was on the city council, school board and fire department for 40 years. He was very community active.”
A strong and diverse work ethic seems to run in the family.
Mike’s grandfather, JC Dubose, founded the store in 1911 in Fort Pierce, Florida, which neighbors Vero Beach.
“He was doing watch repair prior to 1907 in Lake City,” said Mike Dubose. “His wife got sick and from that point on, he wanted to become a preacher. He did the jewelry and watch repair while he was going to school to be a preacher and that’s when he ran across Fort Pierce, which needed a preacher.
“In 1911 he did watch repair out of a dry goods store in Fort Pierce and did the preaching on the weekends.”
The preacher/jeweler’s interests didn’t end there. When his son Oscar (Bob’s father) finished serving in the Navy, he took over the store at age 24 or 25 so JC Dubose could work as an eye doctor.
“JC still worked in the store but he was one of the first eye doctors here in Florida,” Mike said.
Through the years, Dubose & Sons Jewelers, which has had slight variations to the store name over its century-plus in business, boasted as many as seven store locations in Florida.
When Bob decided to retire in the 1990s he shut down the stores, but Mike reopened one location in Vero Beach.
Bob ended up coming back to work for his son.
“He was in the jewelry store up until
approximately a year before he passed,” Mike said. “He enjoyed himself. He had a full life. He was very active up until he passed away.”
Mike said his father used to enjoy watching the L.A. Dodgers play baseball when they were spring training in the area, taking a charter bus to watch all their games.
Today, Mike is operating the family business with his son Todd, who represents the fifth generation in the family business.
JC Dubose was one of the pioneers of Vero Beach, living there when the city only had 40 inhabitants.
In a full-circle moment, the Duboses were honored for their long-standing contributions to the city earlier this year.
“We were voted as pioneer family for the county,” said Mike. “My father passed away about a week after we had the pioneer day.”
Bob Dubose’s obituary can be found on TCPalm.com.
Mike said his father used to enjoy watching the L.A. Dodgers play baseball when they were spring training in the area, taking a charter bus to watch all their games.
Today, Mike is operating the family business with his son Todd, who represents the fifth generation in the family business.
JC Dubose was one of the pioneers of Vero Beach, living there when the city only had 40 inhabitants.
In a full-circle moment, the Duboses were honored for their long-standing contributions to the city earlier this year.
“We were voted as pioneer family for the county,” said Mike. “My father passed away about a week after we had the pioneer day.”
Bob Dubose’s obituary can be found on TCPalm.com.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
