Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
A. Jaffe Set to be Sold, Again
The diamond jewelry company owned by Nirav Modi will go back on the block this month.
New York--A. Jaffe, one of the U.S. companies ultimately owned by the Indian diamantaire wanted in connection with a $2 billion bank fraud, is going back on the block.
Court papers filed June 25 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York show that Richard Levin, the Chapter 11 trustee for A. Jaffe, which filed bankruptcy earlier this year, is looking to sell “all or substantially all” of the company’s assets.
The deadline for bids, as outlined in court documents, is July 5 at 5 p.m. If more than one company bids for A. Jaffe’s assets, then an auction will take place July 11 at the office of Jenner & Block LLP on Third Avenue in New York.
Judge Sean H. Lane will still need to approve the sale before it is final; Levin told National Jeweler Thursday the judge set the sale approval hearing for July 25.
Lane was the one who halted the sale last time, saying he needed more information before he could approve selling A. Jaffe to Parag Diamonds (d/b/a Paramount Gems) for $8 million. The sale motion was then withdrawn by A. Jaffe’s attorney at that time, Ian Winters. It was withdrawn without prejudice, leaving the door open for potential refiling.
Court documents show this second go-around of the sale of the diamond jewelry company will be open to any bidders who became qualified bidders for the first sale, as well as other bidders that want to submit “evidence of financial capability” to the trustee.
Nirav Modi, a billionaire diamantaire from India who was opening stores worldwide and becoming a red carpet mainstay, was accused earlier this year of cheating state-owned Punjab National Bank out of nearly $2 billion, charges he has denied.
Among his holdings were three U.S.-based companies: A. Jaffe, Firestar Diamond Inc. and Fantasy Diamond Inc. All three companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February.
RELATED CONTENT: Financial Implications of Modi Scandal for Diamond TradeModi reportedly left India a few weeks before a complaint was filed against him in January, and Indian authorities have been on the hunt for him ever since.
The fates of the other Modi-connected U.S. companies, Firestar Diamond and Fantasy, remain unclear.
When asked Thursday if the two companies would be sold and, if so, what the timeline was, Levin said there are no firm plans yet for either company.
The Latest

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.

The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.


Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.