PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
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
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
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.
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.