TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
IndependentsNov 25, 2019
Another Independent Jeweler Is Closing
Family-run Houston store Select Jewelers is holding a going-out-of-business sale after 23 years.
Select Jewelers, founded in Houston in 1996, is closing its doors.
Houston—After more than two decades in business, Houston retailer Select Jewelers is closing up shop.
Founder V.K. Sethi opened the store in 1996, and has since made it a point to treat his clients like family.
“We know our customers by name, know about their families, where their kids are going to college, their last vacation,” said daughter and co-owner Sangeeta Sethi.
“It’s like walking into Cheers,” she said, referencing the famous bar from the 1980s sitcom.
V.K. came to the United States from India when he was just 19 years old and had only $400 to his name.
He graduated from the University of New Mexico before moving to Houston to work as an engineer.
Occasionally, he’d travel home to India and bring emeralds back he’d sell to local retailers.
Based on the response he had from them, V.K. eventually decided to leave engineering to open a wholesale business.
With access to high-quality diamonds and gemstones, he began designing and manufacturing his own jewelry, which led to him opening his own store.
“Because we source, design and manufacture the jewelry, we can offer the very best prices to our customers,” Sangeeta said.
V. K. has spent the last 50 years acquiring a private collection of jewels and loose diamonds from around the world, which will now be available to the public in the store’s going-out-of-business sale.
Select Jewelers is currently being run by V.K., Sangeeta and her brother, Nitish Sethi.
There are also many staff members who have been with them since they opened the store 23 years ago.
The family has made giving back to the community a big part of the business, donating to Houston- area schools and supporting the Hope Endowment nonprofit organization, which provides housing, food, clothing, and medical and social services to children in need in India.
Sangeeta said her father and mother, Neelima, are most looking forward to traveling once the store has closed.
She and her brother are also looking forward to the next chapter in their lives but, for now, their attention is focused on their father’s retirement and closing the store.
“When our customers found out we were closing, it was heart-wrenching,” she said. “There are lots of tears from all of us. We’ve had phone calls, texts and messages from so many wonderful people. It’s a
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
testament to our business and our amazing staff.”
Select Jewelers is one of a number of well-known independent jewelers to announce they are closing recently.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania retailer J. Dennis Petimezas, owner of Watchmaker’s Diamonds & Jewelry, also has decided to retire after 45 years in the business.
Meanwhile, John and Jenny Caro will close their store, Jewelry by Designs in Woodbridge, Virginia, telling local news they will “explore other interests.”
Select Jewelers is one of a number of well-known independent jewelers to announce they are closing recently.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania retailer J. Dennis Petimezas, owner of Watchmaker’s Diamonds & Jewelry, also has decided to retire after 45 years in the business.
Meanwhile, John and Jenny Caro will close their store, Jewelry by Designs in Woodbridge, Virginia, telling local news they will “explore other interests.”
More on Independents
The Latest
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
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.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
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.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
