Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
IndependentsSep 09, 2022
Henne Jewelers Patriarch Jack Henne Dies at 92
Henne, the third generation to helm the Pittsburgh store, is remembered for his humor, humility and generosity.
Jack Henne with his wife of 56 years, Nancy, at Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh. The third-generation jeweler died Monday, Sept. 5 at age 92.
Pittsburgh—John “Jack” Robert Henne, the longtime head of Henne Jewelers known for being humble and giving, died Monday.
He was 92.
A Pittsburgh native born into the jewelry industry, Jack left home to serve on the U.S.S. Fulton, a ship that serviced submarines, during the Korean War.
After the war, he returned to Pittsburgh to work alongside his father, R.G. “Gerry” Henne, in the family jewelry business Gerry’s father, Rudolf Joseph Henne, founded in 1887.
During his tenure, Jack made Henne Jewelers a pillar of Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhoods, first in East Liberty then in Shadyside, where he served as president of the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce.
Jack also was heavily involved in the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association and in his time, was instrumental in making it one of the strongest jeweler associations in the country.
After he retired, he passed the business down to his daughters, Anne and Meg, and his son, John Henne, who eventually bought out his sisters to become the store’s sole owner.
In a statement shared with National Jeweler, Henne Jewelers said its patriarch was known for his “quick wit, quiet philanthropy, and impactful humility.” His integrity and generosity “continue to be hallmarks of the Henne family legacy.”
In 2017, when John was being inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame, he said of all the expertise he’s solicited from jewelry friends and colleagues over the years, the lessons he learned from his father resonate the most.
The most valuable of those lessons was “to always do what’s right, even when it hurts.”
Jack Henne, center, with (from left) his son John, wife Nancy, grandson Luke, and daughter-in-law Dara Henne
Outside of the jewelry industry, Jack and his wife of 56 years, Nancy, were passionate about supporting strong marriages, spending nearly 20 years mentoring younger couples.
They also were devoted to living a life of faith. Jack served on the boards of the Imani Christian Academy and the Garfield Jubilee Association, a local nonprofit focused on community development.
In addition to his wife and three children, Jack is survived by eight grandchildren: Hunter, Kathryn, Sydney, Jack, Sam, Luke, Mark and Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Gerry Henne, as well as his siblings, Father Paul Henne and Peggy (Paul) Oldam.
Friends and family will celebrate his life Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at McCabe Brothers Funeral Home, 6214 Walnut St. in Pittsburgh. A private burial will follow on Saturday.
Contributions in Henne’s memory may be made to The Light of Life Rescue Mission or the Imani Christian Academy.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
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.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
