Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Arrest made in hit-and-run death of jeweler
Police are charging a 46-year-old MTA train operator with murder and manslaughter in the death of Aron “Eric” Aranbayev, a jeweler in New York’s Diamond District.
New York--Police have made an arrest in the hit-and-run death of 40-year-old Aron “Eric” Aranbayev, a Diamond District jeweler known for selling high-end pieces to singers, athletes and other celebrities.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that 46-year-old Charles Jordan of Valley Stream, Long Island faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting a death in the murder of Aranbayev.
The accused allegedly ran over the jeweler with his Dodge Magnum after the two got into a verbal argument on the night of July 19 in the Forest Hills section of Queens.
Aranbayev, a father of four young children, was outside his home when he was struck. He was taken to the hospital, where he died on July 20.
“The victim didn’t have a chance,” Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said in the statement released Thursday. “He was allegedly brutally rammed by a 1,000-plus pound high-speed vehicle that violently threw him to the ground … This was a senseless, violent death that could have easily been prevented.”
Aranbayev opened Rafaello & Co., a jewelry store located in Manhattan’s Diamond District, in 2009 with his father Rafael Aranbayev and cousin Gabriel Jacobs.
The company has sold jewelry to and dressed many high-profile clients over the years, including Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, musicians Drake, Chris Brown, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, and the Saudi royal family, according to the timeline on its website. Following Aranbayev’s death, a number of celebrities used social media to express their sorrow over the loss of the jeweler.
On Thursday, Rafaello & Co. posted a screen shot of a news story on Jordan’s arrest on its Instagram account and thanked the community for its support and the NYPD for its hard work, though the post noted that the arrest would not “bring my brother back.”
The Latest
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.