MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
IndependentsJul 07, 2016
Longtime Retailer Harold Tivol Dies at 92
The jeweler, who served for many years as the president of Kansas City-based Tivol Jewelers and is credited with building its international reputation, died at home Wednesday.
Harold Tivol, chairman emeritus of Tivol Jewelers, died Wednesday at his home.
Kansas City, Mo.--Harold Tivol, credited with building Kansas City-based Tivol Jeweler’s international reputation, died at home Wednesday morning. He was 92 years old.
Tivol was born in Kansas City, Mo. in 1923, and attended Southwest High School and the University of Illinois.
His father, Charles, started the family business in Kansas City in 1910. After three years with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Tivol studied at the Gemological Institute of America and joined the business in 1946.
Five years later, it was Harold who encouraged his father to relocate the store to the city’s Country Club Plaza, a location that would help build the retailer’s business greatly and where the flagship remains today.
He also was responsible for opening the company’s second store inside the Hawthorne Plaza shopping center in Overland Park, Kan. decades later.
Tivol was married to Ruth Krigel Tivol for 38 years, and the two traveled the world together and worked together, scouring the globe to find the best work from both established and up-and-coming designers.
“Harold Tivol set the standard of success both professionally and personally,” jewelry designer Penny Preville was quoted as saying in a company release. “He paved the way for designer fine jewelry by being one of the first to welcome collections like mine into his stores.
“He also had a way of making each and every person feel special; his smile could light up a room. I feel honored to have known him, worked with him and to have called him my friend. He will be missed. He was the rarest of gems. May he rest in peace.”
In 1986, he was named to National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame. Two years later, Modern Jeweler honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2002 the American Gem Society recognized him with a Triple Zero award.
He served as president of Tivol Jewelers for the majority of his professional career, eventually naming his daughter, Cathy, his successor in the mid-2000s as he maintained an advisory role as chairman emeritus.
He also was very active in his community, serving as president of the Country Club Plaza Association for more than a decade as well as holding the role of president of Oakwood Country Club.
In 2002, he and his wife were honored with the Alfred Benjamin Friend of the Family Award from Jewish Family Services.
Tivol was born in Kansas City, Mo. in 1923, and attended Southwest High School and the University of Illinois.
His father, Charles, started the family business in Kansas City in 1910. After three years with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Tivol studied at the Gemological Institute of America and joined the business in 1946.
Five years later, it was Harold who encouraged his father to relocate the store to the city’s Country Club Plaza, a location that would help build the retailer’s business greatly and where the flagship remains today.
He also was responsible for opening the company’s second store inside the Hawthorne Plaza shopping center in Overland Park, Kan. decades later.
Tivol was married to Ruth Krigel Tivol for 38 years, and the two traveled the world together and worked together, scouring the globe to find the best work from both established and up-and-coming designers.
“Harold Tivol set the standard of success both professionally and personally,” jewelry designer Penny Preville was quoted as saying in a company release. “He paved the way for designer fine jewelry by being one of the first to welcome collections like mine into his stores.
“He also had a way of making each and every person feel special; his smile could light up a room. I feel honored to have known him, worked with him and to have called him my friend. He will be missed. He was the rarest of gems. May he rest in peace.”
In 1986, he was named to National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame. Two years later, Modern Jeweler honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2002 the American Gem Society recognized him with a Triple Zero award.
He served as president of Tivol Jewelers for the majority of his professional career, eventually naming his daughter, Cathy, his successor in the mid-2000s as he maintained an advisory role as chairman emeritus.
He also was very active in his community, serving as president of the Country Club Plaza Association for more than a decade as well as holding the role of president of Oakwood Country Club.
In 2002, he and his wife were honored with the Alfred Benjamin Friend of the Family Award from Jewish Family Services.
Tivol was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Brooke Tivol McGrath, who died of a rare blood infection in 2011 and in whose honor the WJA-Carelle grant was established.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children and their spouses; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. today (Thursday, July 7) at Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making contributions to the Brooke Tivol McGrath Legacy Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, the Jewish Federation or another charity of choice.
Memories also may be shared on an online memorial page on Louis Memorial Chapel’s website.
More on Independents
The Latest
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
