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.
IndependentsNov 28, 2022
Bert Kalisher, an Industry Veteran Who Loved Making Connections, Dies at 97
Kalisher started out manufacturing watch bands and later got into publishing, authoring two books and serving as publisher of Chronos.
New York—Bertram “Bert” Kalisher, a well-known and beloved figure in the watch and jewelry industry whose career spanned seven decades, died Nov. 20.
He was 97.
Born Sept. 27, 1925, Kalisher grew up in Long Beach, New York. After high school, he studied art and industrial design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
After one year at Pratt, Kalisher left to enlist in the Army Air Corps during World War II, his daughter Nancy Siskind said.
He trained as a bombardier, but the war ended before he was deployed.
Following the war, he started his own business—watch band manufacturer Hadley Kalbe—and later expanded to manufacturing jewelry as well.
He eventually sold his business and got into publishing.
He worked as the editor of three magazines, served as publisher of Chronos, and published two books, “The Art of the Watch” and “Chronograph to Complication: The Art & Technology of Accurate Timing.”
Siskind described her father as a “brilliant entrepreneur” who did what he did not for the sake of making money, but because of his passion for watches and jewelry.
“The industry was his love,” she said. “He was passionate about helping people, about connecting people.
“He was just a really kind, good man.”
Retired Cleveland, Ohio-area jeweler Jim Alperin, who bought watch bands from Kalisher, recalled an instance in which the industry veteran offered sage advice after a costume jewelry store franchise Alperin had purchased lost a significant amount of money.
“I was at Basel after that, and Bert took me out for a cup of coffee at the show just to talk about the loss because he understood how difficult being in business was,” Alperin recalled. “He told me to think of my experience as having purchased an expensive collectible plate that had fallen off the wall and broken. There was nothing to do other than sweep up the pieces and move forward.
“It was very sweet of him to be concerned and to show his concerns.”
Kalisher had lived in Hewlett Neck, New York, since the 1960s, serving as deputy mayor, trustee, and village historian.
He was also an avid sailor and gardener and loved to cook and travel.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marcy; two children, Richard and Nancy; six grandchildren, Eric, Andrew, Michael, Sam, Laura, Elizabeth; and one great-granddaughter, Emma.
Services were held Friday in Elmont, New York.
He was 97.
Born Sept. 27, 1925, Kalisher grew up in Long Beach, New York. After high school, he studied art and industrial design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
After one year at Pratt, Kalisher left to enlist in the Army Air Corps during World War II, his daughter Nancy Siskind said.
He trained as a bombardier, but the war ended before he was deployed.
Following the war, he started his own business—watch band manufacturer Hadley Kalbe—and later expanded to manufacturing jewelry as well.
He eventually sold his business and got into publishing.
He worked as the editor of three magazines, served as publisher of Chronos, and published two books, “The Art of the Watch” and “Chronograph to Complication: The Art & Technology of Accurate Timing.”
Siskind described her father as a “brilliant entrepreneur” who did what he did not for the sake of making money, but because of his passion for watches and jewelry.
“The industry was his love,” she said. “He was passionate about helping people, about connecting people.
“He was just a really kind, good man.”
Retired Cleveland, Ohio-area jeweler Jim Alperin, who bought watch bands from Kalisher, recalled an instance in which the industry veteran offered sage advice after a costume jewelry store franchise Alperin had purchased lost a significant amount of money.
“I was at Basel after that, and Bert took me out for a cup of coffee at the show just to talk about the loss because he understood how difficult being in business was,” Alperin recalled. “He told me to think of my experience as having purchased an expensive collectible plate that had fallen off the wall and broken. There was nothing to do other than sweep up the pieces and move forward.
“It was very sweet of him to be concerned and to show his concerns.”
Kalisher had lived in Hewlett Neck, New York, since the 1960s, serving as deputy mayor, trustee, and village historian.
He was also an avid sailor and gardener and loved to cook and travel.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marcy; two children, Richard and Nancy; six grandchildren, Eric, Andrew, Michael, Sam, Laura, Elizabeth; and one great-granddaughter, Emma.
Services were held Friday in Elmont, New York.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
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.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
