The quotes and stats here come from INSTORE’s November Brain Squad survey. Thanks to the owners and top managers who took the time to respond. Want in? Signup link’s at the bottom.
Who’s the coolest person in the jewelry business?
It’s obviously a highly subjective question, but we asked Brain Squad members anyway. Out of 100 respondents, answers ranged from industry legends to rising stars, and from unflappable mentors to promotional masterminds to one designer’s very helpful mom. Several names earned multiple shout-outs: online connector Aleah Arundale (Olympian Diamonds, founder of the Jewelers Helping Jewelers Facebook group) led with four mentions, while retiring Stuller CEO Matt Stuller had three mentions, and John Carter (Jack Lewis Jewelers) and industry consultant Peter Smith each had two. One jeweler simply declared, “That would be ME! The coolest jeweler I know!” — an answer that, by definition, cannot be disputed — while another, even after more than 40 years making jewelry, admitted she doesn’t know anyone in “THE JEWELRY BUSINESS.”
TO BE CONTINUED: We intend to continue this conversation for a possible feature later this year — so watch INSTORE bulletins for additional polls. (Subscribe at instoremag.com/bulletins.)
“This one is posthumous. I think the coolest person I ever knew in the jewelry industry was Lecil Henderson from The Henderson Collection. He was a legend and larger than life. Anyone that knew him can remember the incredible parties he threw during the JCK show where everyone was always welcome.” — Eric S., West Springfield, MA
“Victor Velyan. The guy is always dressed for a party, loves a party and has more crazy stories about his life experiences. He’s super knowledgeable about gemstones especially the unique and obscure kind and he loves a good scotch.” — Marc M., Midland, TX
“Matt Stuller. We’re small folks but LOVED our visit. I love to tell our customers how he started in the trunk of his car and now it is a regular part of my sales pitch.” — Cliff Y., Lowell, MI
“Aleah [Arundale], of course. She is intelligent and truly wants others to succeed. She knows that if you help someone else succeed, you will too.” — Amber G., Katy, TX
“Peter Smith! Knowledgeable, articulate, disciplined and demonstrates a great sense of humor. Love his writing style and his presentations.” — Jon W., VA
“Strange you ask this today. My late friend Jeff Unger was that guy. Today [Nov. 4] would have been his birthday.” — Stew B., Natick, MA
“Ashley Davis from Davis Jewelers in Louisville, KY. Ashley is the very picture of ‘having it together’ as a business leader and her taste and sense of style are second to none.” — Jeff M., Knoxville, TN
Other names mentioned include: Ash Asgari (Misfit Diamonds), Stephen Barnes (IJO and Barnes Jewelers), Jenny O. Calleri (Huntington Jewelers), John Carter (Jack Lewis Jewelers), Kimberly Collins (Kimberly Collins), Shane Decker, Tim Ell Sr. (Zorells Jewelry), Tracey Ellison (Instagram influencer, @thediamondsgirl ), David Geller, Susan Jacques (GIA), Gail Levine (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers), Kindred Lubeck (Artifex Fine Jewelry), Christina Miller (sustainable jewelry consultant), Doron Paloma (Doves by Doron Paloma, and Doron’s mom also got one vote for herself!), Chris Ploof (Chris Ploof Designs), Martin Rapaport, Gary Roskin (Roskin Gem News Report), Eddie Sakamoto (Sakamoto Designs), Kaushal Shah (Veer Diamonds), Steven Singer (Steven Singer Jewelers), Sean Lemire (Polygon), Roy Talahaftewa (Hopi indian jewelry designer), Jeff Unger (late owner of B&N Jewelry), Andie Weinman (Continental Buying Group), Kristi Widmar (Rasmussen Diamonds).
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.
