CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
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
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
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 & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
