CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
IndependentsAug 23, 2022
Rhoda Denaburg Link, Matriarch of Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Dies at 86
She was an icon, both in the way she led and as the voice of “Miss Rhoda” in the store’s radio commercials.
Rhoda Denaburg Link, who helped grow Alabama retailer Levy’s Fine Jewelry into the well-known store it is today, died Aug. 19 after a brief illness. (Image from Levy’s Facebook page)
Birmingham, Alabama—Rhoda Denaburg Link, owner and matriarch of well-known Alabama retailer Levy’s Fine Jewelry, died Aug. 19 after a brief illness. She was 86.
It was her vision, along with her brother Charles, that took what started as a small pawn shop and grew it into one of the top jewelry stores in the U.S. today, Levy’s said in an Instagram post about her death.
According to Levy’s website, Joe Denaburg started the shop in 1919, acquiring one of the first pawn licenses in the state of Alabama.
He died in 1972, but his wife, Ethel, and son, Charles, continued to manage the store.
Rhoda, Joe and Ethel’s daughter, moved from Chicago to Birmingham in the 1980s to be more active with the store.
She married Marvin Link, a prominent jeweler from New York; he helped train staff and transition the business to a more jewelry-focused model.
It was her vision, along with her brother Charles, that took what started as a small pawn shop and grew it into one of the top jewelry stores in the U.S. today, Levy’s said in an Instagram post about her death.
According to Levy’s website, Joe Denaburg started the shop in 1919, acquiring one of the first pawn licenses in the state of Alabama.
He died in 1972, but his wife, Ethel, and son, Charles, continued to manage the store.
Rhoda, Joe and Ethel’s daughter, moved from Chicago to Birmingham in the 1980s to be more active with the store.
She married Marvin Link, a prominent jeweler from New York; he helped train staff and transition the business to a more jewelry-focused model.
Rhoda, or Rho Rho as she was known to her kids and grandkids, may have won many awards for her leadership, but she was known for staying humble amid the success, and emphasized the importance of hard work, education, and accountability.
“Most of all, she taught us the importance of family, and that it isn’t always blood that makes someone family,” Levy’s said.
She was a local icon, gaining fame as the voice of “Miss Rhoda” in the “Ask Rhoda” radio commercials.
“Most of all, she taught us the importance of family, and that it isn’t always blood that makes someone family,” Levy’s said.
She was a local icon, gaining fame as the voice of “Miss Rhoda” in the “Ask Rhoda” radio commercials.
She was also a lover of art and adventure, traveling the world with her husband so often they made it to all seven continents.
“She never hesitated to encourage us to embrace our passions and chase after our dreams, no matter how crazy they may appear to others,” the Instagram post said.
Denaburg Link is survived by her brother, Charles (Jan) Denaburg; children Nan Nadler, Keith and Natalie Nadler, Jimmy and Alisa Nadler, Tracy Diamond, Jared and Celia Nadler, and April and Brian Harrison; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Link; grandson, Brett Nadler; and sister, Iris Denaburg Rosemore.
Graveside services were held Monday, Aug. 22, at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, followed by shiva and visitation at her home in Mountain Brook.
The family is also receiving visitors today, Aug. 23, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Donations can be made in her name to the Stanley and Maxine Lapidus Special Projects Fund at Temple Beth El in Birmingham or to Jewelers for Children.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
