Giving Thanks: What Jewellers Are Most Thankful For This Year
Thanksgiving is a time for expressing gratitude, not just through words and gatherings but also through thoughtful gifts. Jewellery, particularly fine jewellery, has become an increasingly popular way to show appreciation to loved ones during this season. The gift-giving tradition on Thanksgiving is an opportunity to convey a personal and lasting message of thanks. Whether it’s a simple initial necklace from Assael that carries the wearer’s identity close to their heart, or an intricate, custom-designed piece from Verragio or Robert Guild Jewellery crafted specifically for a loved one, jewellery serves as a tangible and beautiful reminder of the gratitude we feel.
This year, as we spoke with industry leaders from renowned brands such as Stephen Silver Fine Jewellery, Bayco Jewels, and Ricardo Basta, it became clear that gratitude is a cornerstone of both their personal and professional lives. These leaders expressed how gratitude shapes not only their relationships with family and friends but also their passion for creating exquisite pieces. It’s clear that in everything they do, from designing new collections to opening new stores, gratitude is woven into the very fabric of their work. Here’s what they had to say…
Jared Silver, President, Stephen Silver Fine Jewellery
“As we anticipate the opening of our new flagship retail store in Menlo Park, we remain grateful for our company’s continued growth and for the opportunity to spearhead The Villa Menlo Park project. This new mixed-use development, which will offer world-class shopping, dining, and event experiences right in the heart of Silicon Valley, has the potential to be transformative for the entire community, for our business, and for all the independent watchmakers, brands, and restaurant partners involved. We can’t wait to open the doors to The Villa Menlo Park in the coming months.” (In the photo Jared is featured alongside his father, Stephen Silver)
Marco Hadjibay, Creative Director, Bayco Jewels
“I am thankful for my health and my family, these are two things that people often take for granted. Being able to do what I love and doing it in a family business is something I am extremely grateful for. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to share success with the people you care about the most.”
Coomi Bhasin, Founder and Designer, Coomi
“I am profoundly grateful for the incredible journey my life has been. From my large, loving extended family who taught me the true meaning of love, patience, and understanding, to my wonderful husband of over fifty years, our amazing children, and my precious grandchildren who fill my life with so much joy. My closest friends, some of whom I’ve known since childhood, are not just friends, but a vital part of my life. I have been blessed with success and an amazing team who are more than family and the opportunity to give back through charity, all while staying connected to the spiritual energy that guides me. I believe that God is in everyone, and through love, respect, and kindness, we can truly make the world better. For these blessings, and the abundance of love around me, I couldn’t ask for more.”
Ricardo Basta, Founder and Designer, Ricardo Basta
"I'm thankful to be working in a career I love, creating jewellery that I'm passionate about. My inspirations range from childhood memories to futuristic visions, always driven by a mind that never stops exploring new ideas. Many sleepless nights have gone into developing mechanisms that don't yet exist. I'm fascinated by how the brain works and where creativity comes from, and for me, that expression is through jewellery."
Barry Verragio, Founder, President, and CEO, Verragio
“Of course, I’m thankful for my family and for their love and support. But in addition to that, I’m thankful for the opportunity that New York has provided me. When I arrived here as a teenager, I searched for the skyline from JFK, trying to catch a glimpse of the Empire State Building. Now I can see this iconic building from my office window, and it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come.”
Robert Galustian, Jewellery Designer, Robert Guild Jewellery
“I am thankful for the fact that I was able to take my engineering degree and parlay it into a career in jewellery design and manufacturing over thirty years ago when I immigrated to the United States. Many people helped me along the way, and I am grateful for their time and talent! Today, I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind jewellery that is a thrill for my clients. My favourite quote is ‘pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work’ – Aristotle.”
Jeff Feero, Managing Partner, Alex Sepkus
“After 50 years in the jewellery business and 33 with Alex Sepkus, I can clearly say I am most thankful for the human connection that Alex's work brings forth. It never gets old to be part of marking events in the lives of our customers. But more joy for me is to witness our staff and craftsmen (most with us 20-30 years) bring so much personal effort and passion to their work. It recharges my energy every day. And I know they feel they are a part of a very special piece of jewellery history.”
Emily Wheeler, Founder & Creative Director, Emily P. Wheeler
"This year I am genuinely most thankful for my life. I had open heart surgery in January, things went very wrong, and I quite literally almost died. At my 40th birthday a few months later, one of my best friends told me that I "live life in full colour." My goal is to keep this perspective and sense of gratitude for as long as I can.”
Todd Reed, Founder, TODD REED
"I am grateful for time with family and friends, for a business that continues to be exciting and relevant. I am encouraged by the beauty I see amongst the chaos and I am grateful to be a part of it. My team in Boulder and supportive partners, and collectors around the world keep us moving to manipulate the gold and gems into lustrous talismans; I am grateful for this."
We can see here just how deeply intertwined gratitude is with craft. Whether it’s the joy of creating one-of-a-kind pieces, the fulfilment of working in a family business, or the satisfaction of being part of a vibrant community, these industry professionals remind us that Thanksgiving is about more than just a meal: it’s about recognising and cherishing the blessings in our lives, both big and small. Jewellery, in this context, becomes more than just a gift, it’s a reminder of the gratitude and love that define this special season.
WORDS
Aliki Barnes has worked in-house for jewellery Maisons including Cartier, Graff, and Bulgari, honing her expertise in Gemology and Horology before transitioning into writing. She contributes to Departures magazine as a jewellery and watch writer while also serving as Music Editor-at-Large for The Guide Magazine.
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