PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
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
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 ProgramThis year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
