SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
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
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
