SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
MajorsNov 06, 2018
Refiner Republic Metals Files for Bankruptcy
There are “inventory discrepancies” in the company’s books and records, court papers state.
New York—One of the country’s largest precious metal refiners filed for bankruptcy Friday following the discovery of “inventory discrepancies” in its books and records this past summer.
Republic Metals Corp., which has its main office in New York and processes metals at a facility in Miami, filed Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
The company is looking for a buyer, and on Oct. 29, Swiss refiner Valcambi issued a press release stating that it had “reached an understanding” to acquire Republic Metals Corp. and the companies were “working through the logistics of the planned integration.”
Jennifer Mercer, a spokeswoman for Republic Metals, clarified Monday that no deal had been finalized but that talks with Valcambi are ongoing. A Valcambi spokeswoman did not respond to request for comment.
Founded in 1980 by Richard Rubin, Republic owns Republic Metals Refining Corp. and Republic Carbon Company LLC, which processes spent carbon from metals mines.
In a declaration filed alongside the company’s Chapter 11 petition, Chief Restructuring Officer Scott Avila outlined the events that led up to the decision, starting in April when the company “discovered a significant discrepancy in its inventory accounting” while preparing its full year 2018 and first quarter 2018 financials.
Republic Metals retained accounting firm EisnerAmper LLP, which confirmed that there were discrepancies in both the company’s books and records, though Mercer said she could not elaborate on the scope or nature of the discrepancies.
In late June, the company got together with its senior lenders to ask the banks to give it “breathing room” while it worked to sort out the inventory issues and develop a plan to either rectify them or restructure, the declaration states.
But the banks began to press the company a few weeks later, serving it with termination, default and demand notices July 10.
Around the same time, Republic Metals began looking for a buyer, contacting a “major, strategic metals refiner about [a] possible acquisition”—meaning Valcambi—and bringing Avila on board as CRO.
According to the declaration, the banks agreed to hold off to give Republic Metals a chance to work out a deal with the potential buyer. But as the months passed and no deal was forthcoming, the banks cut off negotiations and one lender, ICBC Standard Bank, suspended the refiner’s ability to pay customers via credit on the London metals exchange, its most common form of payment.
Avila, the company’s board and its creditors opted to file Chapter 11 on Nov. 2, as the refiner has “limited cash” and “the inability to trade metals or deliver refined goods,” the declaration states.
If a deal with Valcambi isn’t reached and the refiner cannot find another buyer, then it will be forced to liquidate its assets and inventory.
Republic Metals Refining Corp. has between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors, with assets totaling $174.8 million but liabilities topping $265 million, according to court papers.
Its largest secured lenders include Mitsubishi International Corp., the New York branch of Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. and Bank Leumi USA, which is among the lenders that have pulled out of the diamond and jewelry trade in recent years.
The company’s No. 1 unsecured creditor is Parsippany, New Jersey-based Laurelton Sourcing LLC, a subsidiary of Tiffany & Co. According to the Chapter 11 petition, Republic owes Laurelton more than $17 million.
Other trade debts include nearly $10 million owed to Chihuahua, Mexico-headquartered mining company Coeur Mexicana SA de CV; more than $5 million owed to Premier Gold Mines Ltd. in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; and Geib Refining Corp. in Warwick, Rhode Island, which is owed more than $3 million, court records show.
If a deal with Valcambi isn’t reached and the refiner cannot find another buyer, then it will be forced to liquidate its assets and inventory.
Republic Metals Refining Corp. has between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors, with assets totaling $174.8 million but liabilities topping $265 million, according to court papers.
Its largest secured lenders include Mitsubishi International Corp., the New York branch of Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. and Bank Leumi USA, which is among the lenders that have pulled out of the diamond and jewelry trade in recent years.
The company’s No. 1 unsecured creditor is Parsippany, New Jersey-based Laurelton Sourcing LLC, a subsidiary of Tiffany & Co. According to the Chapter 11 petition, Republic owes Laurelton more than $17 million.
Other trade debts include nearly $10 million owed to Chihuahua, Mexico-headquartered mining company Coeur Mexicana SA de CV; more than $5 million owed to Premier Gold Mines Ltd. in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; and Geib Refining Corp. in Warwick, Rhode Island, which is owed more than $3 million, court records show.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
