The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Massachusetts Jeweler Bill Brough Dies At 62
The joyful jeweler closed his namesake Northampton store in 2014 due to health problems.
Northampton, Mass.—Bill Brough, the jeweler behind Bill Brough Jewelers in Northampton, Massachusetts, died Jan. 31 at age 62.
Brough owned his store, located on Northampton’s Main Street, for 36 years, before closing in 2014 due to health issues.
At the time of the closing, according to an interview he gave to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, he hoped to resume his career as a jeweler and gemologist upon recovery from congestive heart failure and kidney failure, which, in addition to pneumonia, had put him in the hospital at the end of 2013.
“I can’t stop doing what I do. I love it,” Brough said in 2014.
Brough gravitated toward the jewelry trade from a young age, apprenticing with a Stamford, Connecticut jeweler when he was only 15.
He went on to study at the Gemological Institute of America, becoming a certified gemologist in 1975.
In 1978 he opened his first store, where he carried work he designed and work of other manufacturers, though his particular passion was custom design.
Brough is survived by his mother Helen, daughters Amanda Brough and Crystal Kane, and granddaughter Lily.
Of her father’s professional accomplishments Kane told MassLive.com,“He was a jeweler in Northampton creating and sculpting dreams for over 35 years for people all over the valley and world. He was one of the first 15 gemologists in the country and first 100 in the world.”
She also spoke of Brough’s special personality, which infused his business. “He brought love, laughs and silliness to all of our lives who were lucky enough to know him.”
Brough had been waiting for a kidney transplant since his 2013 hospitalization, which he never received.
Last weekend, a “celebration of life” was held for Brough at the Summit View Meeting House in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
The family had asked for donations instead of flowers, to help with medical costs.
Kane told MassLive.com that people could best honors Brough’s legacy by embracing the joy in life. She said, “Travel, listen, joke, shoot tequila, eat weird food, play Arlo Guthrie's ‘Alice's Restaurant,’ Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills and Nash and read the ‘The Night Before Christmas’ every year even if your kids are 27 and 36!"
The Latest
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.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
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.”
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
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.
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.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.