Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
Samuelson’s Diamonds Hires Director of Estate Jewelry
Baltimore native Allie Azrael Lopato joins the jeweler from Circa.
Baltimore---Maryland retailer Samuelson’s Diamonds has hired its first director of estate jewelry to oversee buying operations at both its stores.
Allie Azrael Lopato, a Baltimore native, returns home to join Samuelson’s Diamonds after spending the last six and a half years as a buyer and then director for New York-based estate jewelry company Circa.
She holds a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America, is an expert in pre-owned, luxury brand jewelry and watches, and has a passion for Art Deco jewels. A graduate of The Park School of Baltimore, she earned her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University.
Lopato will oversee Samuelson’s Baltimore and Chevy Chase, Maryland estate buying operations.
CEO Ron Samuelson said: “We are thrilled to have Allie on our team, and she shares in our mission to grow our estate jewelry department in the Maryland/D.C. area and beyond.”
Samuelson’s Diamonds is a third-generation family-owned and –operated business that has been in business since 1922.
The Latest

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.


Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.