Legacy of Trust: Reuniting with the Henderson Family
By Mike Nekta, NektaNewYork.com
Yesterday was one of those rare, meaningful days in the diamond business—the kind that reminds you this work goes far beyond just selling jewelry.
I had the honor of reconnecting with Don Henderson, a former NHL linesman and one of my earliest clients. Don hasn’t been able to work since the night in 2016 when a player slammed into him from behind during a game. The video of that moment is out there—but I can tell you firsthand, it doesn’t even show a fraction of what Don and his family had to go through after that.
Imagine losing your career in an instant. Imagine never stepping on the ice again—something you’ve done your whole life, something that’s not just your job but your passion. I’ve spoken to Don on the phone several times over the years. The public has no idea what a man really endures when everything is taken away like that. Hockey players need to be more aware—especially when it comes to someone who isn’t a player and isn’t expecting a hit. One moment of carelessness can have serious, life-changing consequences for everyone involved.
Don used to come to New York City a few times a year, before Facebook even existed—before I was even married. When we were reminiscing, I asked how he first found me, and he said, “Oh no, this was way before Facebook.” He mentioned a jeweler named Warren, the go-to guy for a lot of NHL players. I remember Warren’s booth—the wall of player photos—though we never met in person. After Warren stepped away from the business, I was lucky enough to continue that relationship with Don.
Over the years, he’s trusted me with pieces for his wife, his mother, and friends. Every piece they’ve ever bought from me has been 100% natural—not a single lab-grown diamond. Back then, lab-grown wasn’t even a conversation.
This week, I had the pleasure of seeing Don, his wife, and their twin boys again. His wife brought in some of her older jewelry—pieces I had worked on years ago and even a few from before they met me. I did some cleanups and minor repairs, and of course, there was no charge. When someone’s been with you this long, they stop being a customer. They become family.
I showed her how to clean her jewelry at home—just warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently remove the buildup under the diamond. It makes a world of difference and keeps things looking brand new.
This wasn’t just a service call. It was a reminder: Real relationships, built on trust and care, last for decades. The Henderson's knew me before I had a showroom, before I had a team, before the brand became what it is today. And I’m proud to say they’re still with me now.
For those unfamiliar with the incident that changed Don’s career, here’s a video that shows what happened on the ice in 2016:
Watch the clip here →
