WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
MajorsJul 16, 2018
Paramount Jewels To Buy A. Jaffe for $5.2M
Paramount Jewels is an affiliate of Paramount Gems/Parag Diamonds, the company that tried to buy A. Jaffe earlier this year.
New York-based jewelry company A. Jaffe, a maker of diamond engagement rings and the diamond-set map jewelry seen here, is set to be sold to Paramount Jewels LLC for $5.2 million.
New York—Paramount Jewels LLC has placed the winning bid for A. Jaffe, the Nirav Modi-owned company that filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.
In a deal finalized late Friday, Paramount Jewels, an affiliate of Paramount Gems and Parag Diamonds Inc., agreed to buy the diamond jewelry company’s brand and business for $5.2 million.
This includes all of A. Jaffe’s core assets: its name, intellectual property, design patents, accounts receivable and inventory; all the assets, the companies said in a statement, that are “needed for A. Jaffe to continue as the successful brand that it is recognized as in the industry and to consumers.”
Jewelex Diamonds, GBC, Diamonds International and Amipi Inc. bought some non-core assets, including inventory, for a total of $1.2 million. Additional non-core assets will be sold at a later date.
According to a statement from the companies, A. Jaffe employees will stay on, with Sumay Bhansali as CEO and Sam Sandberg as chairman, and the company will operate as its own entity independent of Paramount Jewels.
Parag Jain, manager of Paramount Gems/Parag Diamonds, said A. Jaffe has always been, “a leader and a pioneer in the jewelry industry” and his company is not looking to change that.
“There will be no restructuring,” he said. “A. Jaffe will continue to operate with the utmost quality, customer service and its outstanding product offering. The company will be stronger than ever.”
The $5.2 million purchase price is about $3 million less than what Paramount Gems/Parag agreed to pay for A. Jaffe when the first auction for the company was conducted in May, though that sale included additional assets and inventory that were sold off separately this time. The May sale was halted by the judge and ultimately withdrawn by A. Jaffe’s attorney.
A motion has been filed with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York City to approve the sale. It is scheduled to be heard July 25.
A. Jaffe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York in February shortly after news broke that Modi, who ultimately owns the company, was wanted for bilking state-run Punjab National Bank out of nearly $2 billion.
Filing along with A. Jaffe were the two other U.S.-based companies connected to Modi, Firestar Diamond Inc. and Fantasy Inc.; the companies went Chapter 11 in order to distance themselves from Modi and the scandal erupting in India and because their source of supply—Modi’s factories
in India—shut down in the wake of the scandal.
The inventory of both Firestar and Fantasy remain up for sale, with Unique Designs filing the highest bid for the latter’s inventory so far, court papers show.
In April, the bankruptcy court appointed an independent examiner to investigate Modi’s ties to all three companies—A. Jaffe, Firestar and Fantasy—and whether any employees in the United States were involved.
That investigation continues, though court papers show that as part of the sale, Paramount Jewels is distancing itself from any issues that might arise from the examiner’s findings.
The proposed sale order filed Friday states: “This order shall not transfer any claims or causes of action to the purchaser against (1) the debtors’ employees, affiliates, direct or in direct interest holders, or insiders … that the examiner determines in his report to have likely participated in the alleged fraud involving Nirav Modi and certain persons or entities affiliated with Nirav Modi that is being investigated by the examiner … and (2) any other person or entity that examiner determines in his report to have likely participated in the alleged Modi fraud or acted in bad faith in its dealings with the debtors.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include the purchase price for the non-core assets ($1.2 million) and to provide clarity on what the $5.2 million paid for A. Jaffe includes.
The inventory of both Firestar and Fantasy remain up for sale, with Unique Designs filing the highest bid for the latter’s inventory so far, court papers show.
In April, the bankruptcy court appointed an independent examiner to investigate Modi’s ties to all three companies—A. Jaffe, Firestar and Fantasy—and whether any employees in the United States were involved.
That investigation continues, though court papers show that as part of the sale, Paramount Jewels is distancing itself from any issues that might arise from the examiner’s findings.
The proposed sale order filed Friday states: “This order shall not transfer any claims or causes of action to the purchaser against (1) the debtors’ employees, affiliates, direct or in direct interest holders, or insiders … that the examiner determines in his report to have likely participated in the alleged fraud involving Nirav Modi and certain persons or entities affiliated with Nirav Modi that is being investigated by the examiner … and (2) any other person or entity that examiner determines in his report to have likely participated in the alleged Modi fraud or acted in bad faith in its dealings with the debtors.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include the purchase price for the non-core assets ($1.2 million) and to provide clarity on what the $5.2 million paid for A. Jaffe includes.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
