De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Longtime Fla. Jeweler Bruce Watters Dies at 85
The patriarch of Bruce Watters Jewelers in St. Petersburg joined the family jewelry business after serving in the U.S. Air Force.
St. Petersburg, Fla.--Longtime Florida jeweler Bruce Walter Watters, who joined his family’s jewelry business after serving in the U.S. Air Force, died last month. He was 85.
Born Dec. 21, 1930 in St. Petersburg to the late Naomi Stevens Watters and Bruce Weaver Watters, he graduated from St. Petersburg High School and attended Darlington Preparatory School before earning his bachelor’s and MBA from Emory University in Atlanta.
After leaving the service, he went to work for his family’s jewelry company, which was started by W.A. Rogers in 1905. Rogers eventually was joined in the business by his nephew, who was Watters’ father.
Watters ran the jewelry store until 1999, when his son, Jim Watters, took over the business.
He served on the board of directors for the Florida Jewelers Association and was elected secretary/treasurer and vice president from 1961 to 1965.
In addition to being an active member of the jewelry industry, he was extremely involved in his local community, serving on a long list of civic and philanthropic organizations in St. Petersburg.
They include the St. Petersburg Merchants Association, Park and Shop Inc., the University Club, the Dragon Club, the St. Petersburg Sunrise Rotary Club, All Children’s Hospital and the Salvation Army.
An avid fisherman who loved yachting and preaching the word of God, Watters also was active with the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, the Southern Ocean Racing Conference and, in 1983, was recognized by the U.S. Yacht Racing Union as a senior race officer.
He is survived by his wife, Roswitha E. Watters; sons Thomas M. Watters (Jane) and James B. Watters (Grace); daughter Cathy L. Clayton; step-children John Jewell (Diana), Diana Thomas (Michael) and Andrea Kiefel (Herbert); 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
Services were held last month in St. Petersburg.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Watters’ honor to The Sunrise Rotary Club or the Infinity Club at Memorial-Donations.org.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, go here.
The Latest
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.