CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
IndependentsMar 27, 2019
After House Fire, Designer Raises Funds for Fire Dept.
Jewelry designer Theresa Kaz wants to give back to the volunteer fire department that risked everything for her home and family.
A shot from jewelry designer Theresa Kaz’s house after it burned down on March 22. Kaz is raising money for the Paramus Fire Department who helped her and her family on the day of the fire.
Paramus, N.J.—Jewelry designer Theresa Kaz had the unthinkable happen: on Friday, her house in New Jersey burned down.
After a candle caught the house on fire, the Paramus Fire Department jumped to action to put it out. One of the firefighters was familiar with Kaz’s family and, knowing they had a dog (but not knowing the dog was already out of the house safely) even ran into the burning house to save it.
Luckily, no one was hurt, but Kaz and her family lost everything.
And though it’s a lot for anyone to handle, Kaz said she’s been overwhelmed with the support of her community; strangers dropped off clothing for her kids, the Paramus mayor came to the house to assure them of their support, and much more.
There’s also been a strong response from the jewelry community, from messages of support to offers to help, and she said the kindness and outpouring from the industry has been heartwarming.
Kaz also said she can’t overstate the love she has for Ylang 23’s The Next Now competition, especially since finding out she was a finalist Thursday evening changed the trajectory of her Friday, putting her and her dog outside of the home in addition to the rest of the family on the day the fire happened.
It also meant that Kaz had, by chance, already taken her entire jewelry collection to her mom’s house to prepare for the competition, so it too was safe from the fire.
So while much has been taken, Kaz said the experience has also allowed her the opportunity to take stock of what’s really important in life—as long as family and friends are safe and healthy, the rest is simply material.
When industry members offered to start a GoFundMe page for Kaz and her family, she realized that what she really wanted to do was raise money for the fire department that had so selflessly helped her that day.
The Paramus Fire Department is a volunteer department made up of four fire companies with a total of 130 members on call around the clock 365 days a year. Some of the men who helped Kaz and her family on the day of the fire even left paying jobs to respond to the call.
With the donations, Kaz is hoping to provide them with funds to make their surroundings at the firehouse
more comfortable after a long day’s work.
The Contemporary Jewelry Design Group, of which Kaz is a member, has created the GoFundMe page, which is now live and accepting donations.
“There simply are no words to convey the appreciation, respect, and admiration we have and feel for our volunteer firefighters,” Kaz said. “I am still overwhelmed with emotion when I think of their bravery and selflessness. ‘Thank you’ just feels so inadequate.”
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
