Who Makes Jewelry Cool? The Big List of Retailer Responses

The quotes and stats here come from INSTORE’s November Brain Squad survey. Thanks to the owners and top managers who took the time. Want in? Signup link’s at the bottom.

Here’s the original question we asked the Brain Squad:

We’re curious … who do our Brain Squad members think is coolest person in the jewelry business? We mean, when you think “cool” in this industry, whose face pops into your head first? Not the most successful. Not the richest. Just … cool. The person who walks into a trade show and the venue suddenly gets way more interesting. The person who always has the right thing to say. Who never looks rattled. The kind of person who makes everything look effortless. Anyway, please tell us who they are and what you think makes them cool.

• “Susan Jacques. Or the team from Cartier. Or myself — at 90 [years old], still a successful designer-retailer!” — Eve A., Evanston, IL

• “Cool isn’t just a vibe — it’s a way of life, and nobody lives it better than [colored gemstone expert] Manos Phoundoulakis. A master connector, Manos brings people together with kindness, creativity, and the uncanny ability to make everyone feel like family. Whether he’s fixing an engine, launching a jewelry line (Gold and Smoke, with his equally amazing wife), or helping a friend find exactly the right person for the job, Manos does it all with style and heart. He’s the kind of guy who celebrates life big — from dancing the night away at JCK with go-go dancers to hosting 25 friends on the island of Crete for his 10th anniversary. A true jack of all trades, car enthusiast, animal rescuer, and all-around legend, Manos proves that cool isn’t about attitude — it’s about generosity, passion, and living life to the fullest. Here’s to Manos — the man, the myth, the mechanic, the mover, the maker … the coolest of them all.” — Angela C., Atascadero, CA

“I was at our gem dealers recently and the guy next to me rolled out the word ‘padparadscha’ without skipping a beat. For all I know, he completely mispronounced it, but he sure sounded cool. I blurted out, ‘Oh my god! Is THAT how you pronounce it?’ And he just smiled at me and stalked off in a cloud of leather jacket and perfect haircut. Cool.” — Gretchen S., Sherman Oaks, CA

• “I am not in a circle that really is around super cool people. Other than when I look in the mirror. One guy that might come close because he is a cool guy and always been great to meet up and joke with is Peter Smith.” — David B., Calgary, AB
• “Aleah Arundale is cool, kind, and fun! She not only helps jewelers in all kinds of situations, she takes in kids whose families have been deported and helps them reunite.” — Dorothy V., Tallahassee, FL
• “Steven Singer — I admire him for his ‘I hate Steven Singer’ promos. Funny, cool and effective!” — Mary Jo C., Rutland, VT
• “I have two. I recently saw Jenny O. Calleri, aka Jenny O, at AGS GIA Converge. Many years ago, I was her GIA instructor, and it has been a delight to see her journey from a sales associate to store owner and jewelry maven. My sister Kristi Widmar is always cool, even when she is a bit of a goof.” — Katrina S., Racine, WI
• “Kaushal Shah from Veer Diamonds. He is the kind of man who makes you think and is always upbeat and charming. He is the guy who can make you feel better with just one hug. I have had many conversations with him and I always walk away with a new tip or idea. In my opinion, he just brightens my day when I get the chance to see him.” — Sue P., Escanaba, MI
• “Kimberly Collins – her gemstones and her personality are equally vibrant. She is genuine and friendly to everyone. She’s always well dressed and draped in colorful jewelry.” — Dianna H., Lafayette, LA

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“Dove’s Doron Paloma’s Mom. She is always helping him and she is the nicest, sweetest person ever.” — Ellie M., St. Michaels, MD

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• “Matt Stuller. We have had a Stuller showcase since they unveiled it at a Bridge Event we attended in 2015. We are small potatoes, but LOVED our visit.” — Elizabeth P., St Louis, MO
• “Chris Ploof, just a very down-to-earth guy. Called his company to ask a question about a product once and they said they would get back to me and he called me back.” — Scott M., Jacksonville, MD
• “John Carter. Smart, funny, rarely rattled, can make fun of himself, and very, very kind.” — Georgie G., Palo Alto, CA
• “Right now it’s a draw between Tracey Ellison (thediamondsgirl) and Kindred Lubeck (Artifex Fine Jewelry). Tracey shows us the best of what the natural diamond and gemstones industry has to offer, in a cool, modern and fun way. Kindred is a jewelry designer with legendary talent and a very distinct style.” — Vincent S., Chicago, IL
• “Tim Ell Sr. That guy just gets it. He’s a promotional mastermind and he is so willing to give any advice that you might be looking for.” — Cole R., Bradenton, FL
• “Stephen Barnes. Even before he became president of IJO, he was a mentor to me. Only a few years older, Stephen was also a few years ahead in store transition, becoming store owner of his father’s business.” — Casey G., Orleans, MA

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• “The first person I can think of is David Geller. I got him to address the Minnesota Jewelers back about 2000. He changed the industry in a positive way. The second person would be Martin Rapaport, who I helped obtain as a speaker shortly after he became known for his price list.” — Edwin M., Brainerd, MN
• “Andie Weinman for sure. She knows our industry inside and out. Her knowledge is respected by the manufacturers, our diamond suppliers and retailers.” — Gene, John and Krista P., Tuscaloosa, AL
• “Sean Lemire from Polygon comes to mind. Cool as a cucumber and a first-class fella.” — Gary Y., Ames, IA
• “Ash Asgari, founder of Misfit Diamonds. Started something cool and allows us to start conversations with our clients.” — Bob W., Peoria, IL
• “Shane Decker because he sincerely cares about all the jewelers in the jewelry business.” — Barry F., Bardonia, NY
• “Aleah Arundale from Olympian Diamond is a ROCK STAR!!!” — Karen H., Batavia, IL
• “Gary Roskin! He has the most info that helps jewelers.” — John A., Bala-Cynwyd, PA
• “Gail Levine, Executive Director of NAJA” — Dana D., Anchorage, AK
• “Roy Talahaftewa (Hopi tribe)” — Susan M., Dunedin, FL
• “Well Aleah Arundale of course! JHJ is self-explanatory!” — Loann S., Stillwater, MN

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• “Doron Paloma!” — Joe C., Bristol, RI
• “John Carter.” — Jill H., Coral Gables, FL
• “Eddie Sakamoto.” — David K., Grand Rapids, MI
• “Steve Kanelos.” — Gene A., Reidsville, NC
• “Christina Miller” — Bob G., Zionsville, IN
• “Matt Stuller” — Brenda N., El Segundo, CA
• “Lots of cool people.” — Annette K., Stillwater, OK
 

What’s the Brain Squad?

If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. jewelry store, you’re invited to join the INSTORE Brain Squad. By taking one five-minute quiz a month, you can get a free t-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting the jewelry industry. Good deal, right? Sign up here.