Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Johnny Kneller, an Expert on the Exceptional, Dies at 75
He was a close friend and business partner of Laurence Graff, who described him as “the greatest diamond dealer I have ever known.”
He was 75.
Kneller was born in 1946 in Prague, then in Czechoslovakia. He was the son of diamond trader who specialized in large stones.
Kneller grew up in Antwerp and followed in his father’s footsteps, eventually becoming an expert on big diamonds and polishing “countless” important rough stones, according to information provided by his son-in-law, Yves Alexis.
This includes the 603-carat Lesotho Promise, the 709-carat Peace Diamond, and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona.
“He really loved the stones,” Alexis said. “[He loved] the material, to see the color, appreciate the cut, life and sparkle.”
Kneller was also one of the first diamond manufacturers to forge a “true alliance” with an extremely well-known high-end jeweler—Laurence Graff.
The two formed their partnership in the late 1990s, with Kneller bringing the high-end jeweler in as a partner at Safdico, the diamond manufacturing firm Kneller and Brian Gutkin started in the ‘80s.
In a statement shared with National Jeweler, Graff described Kneller as his best friend and business partner. The two were friends for five decades and traveled the world together for their diamond manufacturing business.
Graff said Kneller was a great partner with a vast, almost unparalleled knowledge of both rough and polished diamonds.
He had a “uncanny” way of finding exceptional gems, whether rough or polished, that ended up in Graff stores around the world.
Outside of the diamond business, both men also shared an interest in fine art. Graff said while Kneller had knowledge of art history that spanned decades, he was a collector of contemporary pieces.
The two had regular Sunday morning chats about diamond mines, production and manufacturing, as well as what works of art were up for sale.
“I will miss him immensely,” Graff said. “I loved him as family. A special intellectual, reserved, kind and considerate man, he lived and breathed diamonds all his life. For me, he was the greatest diamond dealer I have ever known.”
Kneller is survived by his wife, Delly; two daughters, Katya and Julie; and six grandchildren.
The Latest
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
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.
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.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.