Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
MajorsApr 28, 2016
Richline Buys Custom Jewelry Site Gemvara
The online retailer, which has what is probably the most coveted customization software in the jewelry industry, was acquired for an undisclosed sum.
This screenshot of Gemvara.com taken Wednesday afternoon shows the website’s customization software at work. Richline now owns the website and plans to integrate the customization software into its own sites and that of retailers that carry its brands.
New York--The Richline Group announced Wednesday that it has acquired Gemvara, the online-only retailer that’s built its business around custom jewelry, for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition gives Richline Group control of what is probably the most coveted customization software in the jewelry industry.
“We believe there’s a much bigger digital presence required for the future in the jewelry business,” Richline Chief Marketing Officer Mark Hanna told National Jeweler on Wednesday. “We felt we could build the expertise over time, or we could find the expertise.
“We don’t find that there’s any better innovative online experience in the jewelry industry than what Gemvara’s platform provides for the consumers.”
He said Richline will integrate the Gemvara technology into websites such as those for Chrysalis, the bracelet brand it acquired last year, and Honora, both of which already sell direct to consumers online. This, however, remain a “small business” for Richline, he said, with their retail sales primarily being used to provide data to help retailers.
The manufacturer and marketer also will allow its retail customers to integrate Gemvara’s customization technology into their websites, beginning with a couple of jewelers later this year and then expanding in 2017.
“We felt we could build the expertise over time or we could find the expertise. We don’t find that there’s any better innovative online experience in the jewelry industry than what Gemvara’s platform provides for the consumers.”--Mark Hanna, The Richline GroupThe e-tailer also will continue to do what it has done since its founding in 2006: sell jewelry direct to consumers online.
Although Gemvara has experimented with pop-up shops in the past, Hanna said it is “not in their plans at all” for it to do so in the future.
Gemvara will maintain its offices in Boston and has retained most of its employees, though CEO Matt Nichols acknowledged in an interview with a Boston technology publication that there were some layoffs as a result of the acquisition.
The company’s top management, President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Blotner and Nichols, will remain with Gemvara as well. Hanna said Richline’s plans are to grow the Gemvara staff from here.
Nichols joined Gemvara in 2011 as chief financial officer after working on the corporate development team at Google and as a principal at Highland Capital Partners, which invested in Gemvara.
He was promoted to CEO in March 2015, succeeding
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Janet Holian, who became CEO after Gemvara founder Matt Lauzon, who started with the company with co-founder Jason Reuben as Paragon Lake, stepped down.
Blotner did not respond to request for comment on the acquisition Wednesday.
New York-based Richline Group is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the Warren Buffett-led conglomerate that also owns Ben Bridge Jeweler and Helzberg Diamonds.
Blotner did not respond to request for comment on the acquisition Wednesday.
New York-based Richline Group is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the Warren Buffett-led conglomerate that also owns Ben Bridge Jeweler and Helzberg Diamonds.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
