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.
IndependentsDec 18, 2020
James Breski, Colored Stone Jewelry Wholesaler, Dies at 75
Known for his knowledge, expertise, wit and humor, the industry veteran died from complications related to COVID-19.
James Breski, a longtime wholesaler of colored gemstone jewelry, died Dec. 9 after contracting the coronavirus. He’s pictured here with his daughter, Ashley, who has worked at the company full-time for the last 15 years.
Chicago—James Breski, a longtime colored gemstone and jewelry wholesaler, died Dec. 9 from complications related to COVID-19.
He was 75.
Breski, a certified gemologist, was known for his knowledge and expertise in colored stones.
According to Breski’s daughter, Ashley, who started working at her father’s eponymous company full-time 15 years ago, her paternal grandfather, Joseph, had a butcher shop/grocery store in Chicago where he also sold jewelry and watches.
And that’s exactly where James Breski got his start—he would run errands for his father to the Jewelers Building in Chicago.
Breski also met his wife, Mary, in the industry.
He worked for manufacturer Juergens & Andersen before branching out on his own in 1975, launching his gemstone jewelry brand featuring designs that combine classic forms with a modern touch.
He was highly respected in the industry, and in an online obituary, his family called him an “honest and ethical businessman who forgot to retire.”
Breski was also a proud Chicagoan, Navy veteran and “lifelong frustrated” Chicago Bears fan who also had passion for Shakespeare and all literature, language, theater, music, and art.
His love of the stage was sparked by an uncle who worked as a stage manager on Broadway in New York.
World travel was also a passion and came with the job. Breski had a particular fondness for Bangkok, where he’d go for trade shows, to visit mines, enjoy the city and use as a launching pad to travel to other destinations.
He was also a recreational pilot, so when he was home, he always gave himself time to take to the skies.
Breski was wise, witty, and sarcastic, his family said, spreading love, knowledge, and jokes wherever he went.
A creative through and through with an unending imagination, Breski’s family and friends will fondly remember the character he created with friends during grade school, “Colonel Boodizbee.”
He was 75.
Breski, a certified gemologist, was known for his knowledge and expertise in colored stones.
According to Breski’s daughter, Ashley, who started working at her father’s eponymous company full-time 15 years ago, her paternal grandfather, Joseph, had a butcher shop/grocery store in Chicago where he also sold jewelry and watches.
And that’s exactly where James Breski got his start—he would run errands for his father to the Jewelers Building in Chicago.
Breski also met his wife, Mary, in the industry.
He worked for manufacturer Juergens & Andersen before branching out on his own in 1975, launching his gemstone jewelry brand featuring designs that combine classic forms with a modern touch.
He was highly respected in the industry, and in an online obituary, his family called him an “honest and ethical businessman who forgot to retire.”
Breski was also a proud Chicagoan, Navy veteran and “lifelong frustrated” Chicago Bears fan who also had passion for Shakespeare and all literature, language, theater, music, and art.
His love of the stage was sparked by an uncle who worked as a stage manager on Broadway in New York.
World travel was also a passion and came with the job. Breski had a particular fondness for Bangkok, where he’d go for trade shows, to visit mines, enjoy the city and use as a launching pad to travel to other destinations.
He was also a recreational pilot, so when he was home, he always gave himself time to take to the skies.
Breski was wise, witty, and sarcastic, his family said, spreading love, knowledge, and jokes wherever he went.
A creative through and through with an unending imagination, Breski’s family and friends will fondly remember the character he created with friends during grade school, “Colonel Boodizbee.”
James Breski was a proud grandfather to three and saw his grandchildren almost every day until the coronavirus pandemic hit, his daughter Ashley said.
Breski is survived by his wife Mary; daughter Ashley (Hugh McLaughlin) and grandchildren Anna, Eloise, and Isla; and sister, Kate Breski (Don Richardson).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Joseph Breski, and uncle, Ed Strum.
Breski was still very active in the business up until his death. Ashley and Mary will continue to run James Breski & Co.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
There will not be a memorial service for Breski at this time due to the ongoing pandemic. His family said they would notify loved ones regarding future plans.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made in Breski’s name to the Broadway Cares COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made in Breski’s name to the Broadway Cares COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund.
More on Independents
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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
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.
MajorsApr 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.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
