TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
IndependentsApr 10, 2019
San Antonio’s Penaloza and Sons to Close After 61 Years
Paul, Alice and Phillip Penaloza plan to retire this year.
From left to right, Paul, Alice, Phillip and Charles Michael Penaloza outside Penaloza and Sons Inc. in Castle Hills, Texas, an enclave of San Antonio. Charles Penaloza opened the business in 1958 as a trade shop.
San Antonio—Penaloza and Sons Inc., a jewelry store that has been open for six decades, is in the process of shutting down so its owners can move on to the next stage of their lives—retirement.
Charles Penaloza, the son of a Mexican immigrant from Yucatan, opened Penaloza and Sons as a trade shop in 1958, fixing and making jewelry for other jewelers.
His son Phillip Penaloza joined the business in the 1970s, followed by Paul Penaloza in 1981.
Over the years, the store has served generations of local families as well as a few high-profile clients.
Penaloza and Sons Inc. made pieces for San Antonio native Carol Burnett, as well as the late Bob Hope and Debbie Reynolds, who bought a diamond bracelet for daughter Carrie Fisher while in town to perform at the Majestic Theatre, Phillip recalls.
When Charles died in 2002, Phillip and Paul, a certified gemologist, took over.
Phillip became the company’s chief designer, and other family members came on board as well. Paul’s wife, Alice Penaloza, a graduate gemologist, sells and appraises jewelry, while Phillip’s son Charles Michael Penaloza works as a bench jeweler.
(Penaloza and Sons is not to be confused with C. Aaron Penaloza Jewelers, another San Antonio jewelry store. Owner Charles Aaron Penaloza is Paul and Phillip’s brother. He opened his own store in 1990 after working at Penaloza and Sons.)
Now the time for Paul, Alice and Phillip to retire has come, and their to-do list mirrors that of many who are approaching retirement age: travel, spend more time with family and have more time to themselves.
RELATED CONTENT: There Is a Story Behind Every Store Closing“Paul and I have worked together and built a very strong business, and it’s been a pleasure making that happen,” Alice said in a news release about the store’s closing. “It’s just felt like this was the right time to close this chapter in our lives.”
Paul told National Jeweler Tuesday that when they knew it was time to step back, they initially tried to find a buyer for the business but couldn’t, and Charles Michael was not in a position
to acquire it on his own.
So they opted to close the store and sell everything—the jewelry as well as the building, furniture and fixtures.
But this might not be the end of their involvement in the jewelry business. Paul said they could continue as a smaller business, making one-off pieces for clients or creating and fixing jewelry for other jewelers, as the shop originally did when his father opened it in the late 1950s.
“It might evolve back to that,” he said. “We have no definite plans right now.”
The going-out-of-business sale at Penaloza and Sons started Friday, and items are marked down as much as 70 percent.
The store’s inventory consists mainly of 18-karat gold and platinum pieces as well as a selection of “rare and valuable” gemstones including unheated pink sapphire, alexandrite and garnet.
So they opted to close the store and sell everything—the jewelry as well as the building, furniture and fixtures.
But this might not be the end of their involvement in the jewelry business. Paul said they could continue as a smaller business, making one-off pieces for clients or creating and fixing jewelry for other jewelers, as the shop originally did when his father opened it in the late 1950s.
“It might evolve back to that,” he said. “We have no definite plans right now.”
The going-out-of-business sale at Penaloza and Sons started Friday, and items are marked down as much as 70 percent.
The store’s inventory consists mainly of 18-karat gold and platinum pieces as well as a selection of “rare and valuable” gemstones including unheated pink sapphire, alexandrite and garnet.
More on Independents
The Latest
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
