The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Mississippi Jeweler Robert Percy Mims Jr. Dies at 96
The longtime jeweler was a past president of the Mississippi Jewelers Association.
Natchez, Miss.--Robert Percy Mims Jr., owner of Robert Mims Jewelers, died Jan. 22 at his home in Natchez, Mississippi. He was 96.
Mims was a Gemological Institute of America graduate gemologist, and an American Gem Society registered jeweler and certified gemologist. He was a “Jeweler of the Year” and past president of the Mississippi Jewelers Association.
Among his many accomplishments in the jewelry industry was his selection as one of 26 jewelers in North America to create a pair of cufflinks for the American Gemstones Jewelry Collection as part of a partnership between AGS and the Smithsonian Institute. The cufflinks are still on display at the Smithsonian in Washington.
Born on Feb. 19, 1921 in Crystal Springs, Mississippi and raised in Jackson, Mims studied aeronautical engineering at Mississippi State University then joined the Army Air Corps in 1941.
Mims flew 26 combat missions before he was shot down over France on his last mission on Feb. 5, 1944. Captured by the Germans, he was a prisoner of war in Barth, Germany on the Baltic Sea near Poland.
He returned home in April 1945 after the war was over. He then married Virginia Price and continued to serve in the Air Force, earning numerous honors.
He went on to study horology, hand-engraving, jewelry design, jewelry repairs, jewelry manufacturing and business at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois after retiring from the military. He graduated with honors.
He and his family moved to Natchez to manage Herman’s Jewelers in 1952. In 1954, Mims opened and managed the jewelry department at Dixon’s, where he worked until he and his family opened their own store on Main Street in downtown Natchez in 1965.
Mims was preceded in death by his wife, and is survived by his six children, among other family members.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to Home with Heroes Foundation Helping Local Veterans at homewithheroes.org; Trinity Episcopal Church, 305 S. Commerce St., Natchez, MS 39120, or Cathedral School.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
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.
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.”
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.