ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
IndependentsNov 13, 2019
Forevermark Opens First US Boutique
The California store will be owned and operated by Bay Area natives, Steve and Judy Padis of Padis Jewelers.
Forevermark U.S. President Charles Stanley (far left) joined owners Judy and Steve Padis and their daughter, Alexis, for the opening of the first Forevermark boutique in the United States.
Walnut Creek, Calif.—Forevermark cut the ribbon on a new boutique in California last week, marking the opening of the De Beers-owned diamond brand’s first store in the United States.
Located at Broadway Plaza, a shopping center in Walnut Creek, the 600-square-foot store will be wholly owned and operated by the Padis family of Padis Jewelers, which has carried Forevermark since 2012.
Steve and Judy Padis, Bay Area natives who have been in the jewelry industry for 45 years and were inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame earlier this year, run three Padis Jewelry stores in San Francisco and one in Napa Valley.
Nevertheless, he characterized the opening weekend as a success, with dozens of customers stopping by to check out the boutique.
The store opening kicked off with a weekend-long celebration, offering complimentary manicures and a daily “Bubbles and Bites” champagne happy hour.
A cart parked outside offered passersby fall-themed drinks, like hot apple cider and hot chocolate.
Shoppers were invited to play dress-up with one-of-a-kind pieces of diamond jewelry from the Forevermark Red Carpet Collection, including the “Force of Nature Ring,” inspired by the Kudu, an African antelope.
The Force ring is set with a 7.78-carat diamond, the brand’s 2 millionth inscribed diamond.
The store had a soft opening two months ago, Padis said, to prepare the staff ahead of the full-fledged opening in November.
Initially, the Padises had planned to stock 70 percent bridal and 30 percent fashion jewelry in the store, but the soft opening revealed a higher demand for fashion jewelry so they shifted the mix to 60 percent bridal and 40 percent fashion.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we go to 50/50,” Padis said.
A portion of sales from the opening weekend will be donated to the California Fire Foundation to support victims, firefighters and communities affected by wildfires throughout California.
Commenting on the opening in a press release, Forevermark U.S. President Charles Stanley said: “In opening our first Forevermark boutique, consumers will be able to more deeply experience and appreciate the full journey of a Forevermark diamond.”
“Forevermark diamonds are the most carefully selected diamonds in the world, and we applied the same rigorous standards when selecting our partners and
the location for our very first Forevermark boutique.”
More on Independents
The Latest
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
