Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
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
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
