AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
IndependentsNov 05, 2021
Jewelry Industry Professional Bobbi Freeman Dies
She worked for companies in California, New Mexico, and Texas over her long career.
San Antonio—Jewelry industry professional Roberta “Bobbi” Freeman died Oct. 1.
She was 73.
She was born Roberta Marion Freeman in Detroit, Michigan on June 7, 1948 to Evelyn and Wilmer Freeman, M.D.
In the 1970s, after college, Freeman departed Detroit for Los Angeles, to work for her sister Linda Gordon and brother-in-law Jack Gordon’s jewelry manufacturing business, H. Jack Gordon, Inc.
There, Freeman learned the ins and outs of the trade.
Her sister noted, “She loved her work and her customers.”
Freeman worked in product development and sourced findings and gemstones. She went on to become sales manager, and was in charge of all the companies’ reps, and handled its participation in jewelry trade shows.
Freeman later worked for other manufacturers when her sister and brother-in-law retired, closing their company.
According to her sister, she worked for Wedding Rings, Inc. in Los Angeles. She then moved to Albuquerque where she worked for Cabana, then Morning Sun for a decade.
Finally, she relocated to Texas, working for Silver Express, then Almond Inc., where she retired.
Her career took her to Thailand, China, Milan, Paris, and Basel, Switzerland to source product.
“Bobbi always kept her special customers in mind while concentrating on product development,” said Gordon.
“She designed items specifically for them. She always knew what each buyer would be looking for to put in their stores. Most of her contacts in the jewelry business remained her good friends even after they left their various positions in the industry.”
Freeman was living in San Antonio, Texas when she died last month.
She is survived by her sister and brother-in law, her daughter Erin Rosamond, son-in-law Phillip Rosamond, and grandchildren Eli and Jessi Rosamond.
She was 73.
She was born Roberta Marion Freeman in Detroit, Michigan on June 7, 1948 to Evelyn and Wilmer Freeman, M.D.
In the 1970s, after college, Freeman departed Detroit for Los Angeles, to work for her sister Linda Gordon and brother-in-law Jack Gordon’s jewelry manufacturing business, H. Jack Gordon, Inc.
There, Freeman learned the ins and outs of the trade.
Her sister noted, “She loved her work and her customers.”
Freeman worked in product development and sourced findings and gemstones. She went on to become sales manager, and was in charge of all the companies’ reps, and handled its participation in jewelry trade shows.
Freeman later worked for other manufacturers when her sister and brother-in-law retired, closing their company.
Roberta “Bobbi” Freeman worked for companies in California, New Mexico, and Texas over her long career.
According to her sister, she worked for Wedding Rings, Inc. in Los Angeles. She then moved to Albuquerque where she worked for Cabana, then Morning Sun for a decade.
Finally, she relocated to Texas, working for Silver Express, then Almond Inc., where she retired.
Her career took her to Thailand, China, Milan, Paris, and Basel, Switzerland to source product.
“Bobbi always kept her special customers in mind while concentrating on product development,” said Gordon.
“She designed items specifically for them. She always knew what each buyer would be looking for to put in their stores. Most of her contacts in the jewelry business remained her good friends even after they left their various positions in the industry.”
Freeman was living in San Antonio, Texas when she died last month.
She is survived by her sister and brother-in law, her daughter Erin Rosamond, son-in-law Phillip Rosamond, and grandchildren Eli and Jessi Rosamond.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
