The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Montreaux Jewelry Co-Founder Joseph Schwartz Dies at 90
He opened Montreaux with Irving Katz after repairing watches and making pearl jewelry at the bench.
New York—Joseph Schwartz, who co-founded Montreaux Jewelry after starting his career on the bench, died Dec. 20.
He was 90.
Schwartz, who split his time between Queens, New York and Boca Raton, Florida, started his career repairing watches and making pearl jewelry as a bench jeweler.
Later, he opened his own jewelry company with Irving Katz called Montreaux Jewelry, making high-end 18-karat and platinum jewelry for top retailers and becoming one of the first manufacturers to bring French-style designs to the United States.
Today, his legacy continues—his sons Eric and Owen are, along with Joel Weiss, the founders and operators of Carrera Casting in New York.
Joe and Sheila Papaleo, who worked alongside Schwartz for more than 40 years, described him in the guest book for his online obituary as an “influential icon of the jewelry industry” who was sought out for his insight by jewelers, family and friends.
It was his creativity and innovation that made his company synonymous with “exceptional, artistic elegance,” she wrote, yet he always made sure his employees got the recognition they deserved as well.
“Joe was genuinely gracious. He enhanced us with his thoughtfulness, kindness and caring … He was the best of men. He was the best of friends. We will miss him forever.”
Schwartz was preceded in death by his wife, Rita, whom he was with for 61 years.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Norma Shapiro; his sons, Owen (Laurie), Eric (Robin) and Billy; grandchildren Ariel and Lewis Silberman, Morgan and Austin Curtis, Dean, Jessie, Miles and Mason; great-grandchildren Violet and Sadie Silberman, and Chloe Curtis; and his “girlfriend,” Marilyn Cohen.
The Latest
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.