This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Second-Generation Pearl Dealer Raymond Mastoloni Sr. Dies at 89
A well-respected leader in the industry and his community, Mastoloni was known for being a generous family man and a successful businessman.
New York—Longtime pearl expert Raymond (Ray) Louis Mastoloni Sr. died Jan. 9 in his home.
He was 89.
He went on to serve his country in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952.
Upon returning, he completed his bachelor’s in history in 1954 before attending St. John’s Law School.
In 1958, Mastoloni married Carol Mastronardi.
The union lasted 61 years, and Mastoloni credited it as the foundation of his future successes, both as a businessman and as a family man.
He started his professional career while serving in Japan, establishing relationships, learning the language and laying the foundation for what would become a lucrative business.
He and his brothers joined the family company—Frank Mastoloni and Sons (Mastoloni Pearls), started by his father and uncles—in the 1950s, according to the company’s website, and built the business into one of the largest cultured pearl companies in the world.
A well-respected leader in the industry, Mastoloni served as president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America several times and shared his passion for pearls throughout his life.
He was a resident of White Plains, New York for 48 years, serving as role model in the community and looked to as a man of strength, kindness and courage.
He was a member of the Westchester Hills Golf Club and a Centurion member of the New York Athletic Club.
Mastoloni was known for being a generous man, a successful businessman and a provider, and a compassionate husband, father and grandfather who lived his life based on family, company and friends.
His professional legacy lives on through his son Ray Mastoloni Jr., who is the third generation to work at the company, along with cousins Fran and Ed Mastoloni.
Mastoloni is survived by his wife, Carol; their four children, Raymond (Kirsten), Jeanne, Joseph (Laura), and Thomas (Patricia); and 12 grandchildren: Dana (Brett), Alyssa (Colin), Raymond (Meghan), Joseph, Charles, Victoria, Kyle, Alexandra, Elizabeth, Christopher, Daniel and Benjamin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and/or Cardinal McCloskey Community Services.
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.