MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsApr 06, 2023
Bill Underwood of Underwoods Jewelers Dies at 90
The former American Gem Society president is remembered as an industry icon and a beloved mentor.
William “Bill” Underwood, founder of Underwoods Jewelers and former AGS president, died April 2 at age 90.
Fayetteville, Ark.—William “Bill” Underwood, founder of Underwoods Jewelers and former American Gem Society president, died April 2 from cancer.
He was 90.
Underwood was born in 1932 to Mildred and Robert G. Underwood in Mountain View, Oklahoma, in the midst of the Great Depression, according to his online obituary.
He earned a degree in horology from Southwestern State College, then joined the Navy, serving for four years.
With help from the G.I. Bill, Underwood went back to school, earning a business degree from the University of Arkansas.
Two pivotal moments in his life would soon take place in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
He met his wife, LeAnn, whom he married in 1958, and, armed with a $1,000 loan, he started Underwoods Jewelers.
He built the business from the ground up and continued his education along the way. He was part of the first class in the U.S. to earn the designation of Certified Gemologist Appraiser.
Underwood was a longtime member of AGS, serving as its president from 1988 to 1990.
“The AGS community has lost a true icon,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS.
“Bill made a significant and positive impact on our community, and his involvement with AGS was greatly valued. We will always remember his dedication, leadership, and passion for AGS and the industry. Bill will be deeply missed, and his memory will continue to inspire us.”
His son, Craig Underwood, is the current president of Underwoods Jewelers, and has also served as president of the association.
Cathy Calhoun of Calhoun Jewelers recalled to National Jeweler the day she met Underwood at her first AGS Conclave event in Washington, D.C., more than thirty years ago.
He spotted her in the lobby and joked that she looked lost. She was, she admitted, as she was new to the industry at the time. Underwood showed her the ropes and took her under his wing, a kindness she still remembers.
“He really made me feel like I was part of something. That started years of friendship,” she said.
“I’m heartbroken,” said Calhoun. “He had the largest personality with the biggest, most inviting smile, of anyone I’ve ever met. When you saw him, he made you feel like you were instantly friends.”
Underwood was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 1991.
He was an active member of his community, joining the Central United Methodist Church and various organizations, including the Fayetteville Civil Service Commission, the Rotary Club, and the Freemasons.
Bill and LeAnn Underwood were behind several gifts to the community, including the Sam M. Walton Honor Lab at the University of Arkansas, the Underwood Garden gift to the Walton Arts Center, and the media room at the Fayetteville Public Library.
In 2004, he was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Sam M. Walton College of Business. In 2019, the school awarded him the Citation of Distinguished Alumnus Award.
In addition to his jewelry business, Underwood was a pilot for 60 years, a recreational joy he shared with family and friends.
Underwood is survived by his wife, LeAnn; his son Craig Underwood and his wife Laura; his daughter Michelle Gass and her husband Barry; his daughter Vicki Nelson and her husband Kurt; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, John David Underwood.
The family is holding a celebration of his life today at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting donations be made to the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business or the Walton Arts Center.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
