AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
IndependentsDec 11, 2019
Hyde Park Jewelers Will Have a New CEO
Chief Operating Officer Damon Gross steps into the head role as founder Michael Pollak pivots to non-executive chairman.
On Jan. 1, Damon Gross will take over as CEO of Hyde Park Jewelers and Michael Pollak will become non-executive chairman. Hyde Park has stores in Denver (pictured here), Phoenix and Newport Beach, California, and operates several mono-brand stores as well.
Denver—Hyde Park Jewelers founder Michael Pollak, who got his start selling turquoise on the lawn at the University of Denver, is taking a step back from the now multi-store chain he started in 1976.
Hyde Park Jewelers announced in a press release late last month that Pollak will step down as CEO on Jan. 1 and be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Damon Gross, who has been with the company since 2007. 
“It’s not a retirement in any sense of the word,” Pollak said in an interview with National Jeweler on Monday. “It’s … a pivot in terms of how I am going to spend my time.”
He will step into more of a supporting role for Gross and the rest of the Hyde Park team in order to focus on “passion projects,” both personal and professional.
One of those is a bridal boutique called Engage.
Engage targets Gen X and Gen Y (and, soon, Gen Z) consumers with a technology- and custom design- driven model. There is currently one Engage by Hyde Park store, and it’s connected to the jeweler’s Denver location.
Another is the Gioielli Group, the East Coast-based jewelry company that distributes Italian brands Pesavento and Alessandra Donà in the United States.
Currently, the company has three Hyde Park Jewelers stores—in Denver, Phoenix and Newport Beach, California.
(The company bought longstanding Newport Beach independent Traditional Jewelers in 2012 and changed the store’s name to Hyde Park last year.)
The company also operates two Rolex, two Breitling, one Hublot, one IWC and one Roberto Coin boutique, as well as Engage.
Pollak said the company is slated to open a third Rolex store, in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the third quarter of 2020.
The Roberto Coin boutique will become an Omega store in the first quarter, and the Hyde Park Jewelers store will move to Scottsdale after 20 years in Phoenix. 
X and millennial engagement ring shoppers, with a focus on technology and customization.
Pollak said as part of his pivot from CEO to non-executive chairman, he will be less visible in the industry.
He’s already told his company’s brand partners they can expect to see him at fewer trade shows and industry dinners going forward.
In addition to his professional passion projects, Engage and the Gioielli Group, Pollak said he wants to focus on philanthropic endeavors, including his work with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which is slated to open the Museum of Tolerance in the center of Jerusalem next year.
He’s already told his company’s brand partners they can expect to see him at fewer trade shows and industry dinners going forward.
In addition to his professional passion projects, Engage and the Gioielli Group, Pollak said he wants to focus on philanthropic endeavors, including his work with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which is slated to open the Museum of Tolerance in the center of Jerusalem next year.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
