CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
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
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
WatchesNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearThe National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’sLate collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
