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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
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 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
