Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the location for our very first Forevermark boutique.”
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
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.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
