TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
IndependentsFeb 23, 2022
Roberto Martinez Inc. Founder Dies
Retired since the 1990s, the company’s eponymous creator died at age 83.
San Clemente, Calif.—Roberto Martinez, founder of his eponymous jewelry company, has died.
He was 83.
According to an obituary shared by family members, Roberto Martinez Sr. died on Jan. 20 of a non-COVID-related respiratory illness at his home in the Capistrano Beach area of Dana Point, California.
Martinez’s story shows shades of the “American Dream.”
Born in Cuba, he emigrated to the United States in 1960 and went on to settle in California.
In 1968, he cofounded Latin Gold of Los Angeles. In 1976, he branched out on his own, creating Roberto Martinez, Inc.
The company sold Italian chains and 14-karat gold and sterling silver jewelry by the gram to be able to offer its customers savings based on current market price. His obituary said he was a “pioneer” of the practice, the first to do so in the United States.
Martinez retired in 1997, after 30 years in the industry and 20 at the helm of his own brand.
His children, Elsa Martinez and Roberto Martinez Jr., took over. They moved the company from downtown Los Angeles to the more laid-back and scenic San Clemente, California, in Orange County.
The second generation still runs Roberto Martinez, Inc. today. It remains faithful to Martinez Sr.’s design ethos, creating and selling Cuban link chains and religious medallions, all nods to Hispanic culture, faith, and family.
The company’s classic pieces are crafted in karat gold and diamonds, sterling silver, gold plate, and cubic zirconia.
They sell online through the Roberto Martinez website, as well as through companies like Amazon and Overstock.com.
Martinez is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elsa; his children Elsa, Eileen, and Roberto; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was 83.
According to an obituary shared by family members, Roberto Martinez Sr. died on Jan. 20 of a non-COVID-related respiratory illness at his home in the Capistrano Beach area of Dana Point, California.
Martinez’s story shows shades of the “American Dream.”
Born in Cuba, he emigrated to the United States in 1960 and went on to settle in California.
In 1968, he cofounded Latin Gold of Los Angeles. In 1976, he branched out on his own, creating Roberto Martinez, Inc.
The company sold Italian chains and 14-karat gold and sterling silver jewelry by the gram to be able to offer its customers savings based on current market price. His obituary said he was a “pioneer” of the practice, the first to do so in the United States.
Martinez retired in 1997, after 30 years in the industry and 20 at the helm of his own brand.
His children, Elsa Martinez and Roberto Martinez Jr., took over. They moved the company from downtown Los Angeles to the more laid-back and scenic San Clemente, California, in Orange County.
The second generation still runs Roberto Martinez, Inc. today. It remains faithful to Martinez Sr.’s design ethos, creating and selling Cuban link chains and religious medallions, all nods to Hispanic culture, faith, and family.
The company’s classic pieces are crafted in karat gold and diamonds, sterling silver, gold plate, and cubic zirconia.
They sell online through the Roberto Martinez website, as well as through companies like Amazon and Overstock.com.
Martinez is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elsa; his children Elsa, Eileen, and Roberto; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
More on Independents
The Latest
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
