Sourcing

Manager of Grandview Klein Diamond Factory Confirmed Dead in Hamas Attacks

SourcingOct 17, 2023

Manager of Grandview Klein Diamond Factory Confirmed Dead in Hamas Attacks

Isaac Siton managed the company’s facility in Namibia and was the “fabric of the factory,” Moshe Klein said.

Chana and Isaac Siton
Isaac (right) and Chana Siton were among the victims of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. Isaac was the manager of Grandview Klein Diamond Group’s factory in Namibia. (Photo courtesy of Grandview Klein Diamond Group)
Editor's note: This story was updated post-publication following confirmation that Isaac and Chana Siton were among those killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel.

New York—Isaac (Itzik) Siton, a nearly 20-year employee of Grandview Klein Diamond Group, was among the victims of the Hamas attacks that shocked Israel and the world over the weekend.

Isaac, who was in his mid-70s, worked for Grandview Klein for the last 18 years, starting at the company’s diamond factory in South Africa before working his way up to managing the factory in Windhoek, Namibia, company President Moshe Klein said Thursday.

The factory had just doubled its capacity and Isaac, who had been working tirelessly on the expansion, “just wanted to take a vacation,” Klein said.

He flew to Israel with this wife, Chana Siton, to visit her sister, Pessy.

All three, along with the couple’s son, Tal Siton, were in the picturesque kibbutz of Be’eri, located in southern Israel near the border with Gaza, on Saturday morning when Hamas militants stormed the village, killing more than 120 people and kidnapping others.

Klein said when he looked at this phone on Sunday following the Jewish holiday, he had numerous messages and missed calls from an employee at the company’s factory in Namibia, telling him they were unable to get ahold of Isaac.

As the week wore on and Isaac remained unreachable, it became apparent that something had happened to him, though it was unclear if he had been killed or was among those kidnapped by Hamas.

In Namibia, Grandview Klein’s employee held a candlelight service for their leader, praying for his safe return.

Grandview Klein Namibia factory employees
Isaac Siton served as the manager of Grandview Klein’s factory in Namibia for the past decade. He is pictured with the factory’s entire staff, seated in the front row, eighth from left. (Photo courtesy of Grandview Klein Diamond Group)

Klein said Isaac was a father figure to the factory’s local employees, and he was involved in all the local charities.

He loved his quiet life in Namibia and was looking forward to retiring.

“He was just the most lovable, sincere, kind [man], never raised his voice,” Klein said. “He was the fabric of our factory in Namibia. He was such a force.”

Tal and Pessy were confirmed among the dead shortly after the attack, while authorities in Namibia officially identified the bodies of Isaac and Chana on Oct. 17.
 
Klein said he plans to travel to Namibia in the coming weeks and will do something there in Isaac’s memory. 

“He’s going to be missed, I can tell you that. He did not deserve this,” he said.  

“We will never forget. He will always be a part of our family, forever.”

The Latest

Kraft Mac & Cheese x Ring Concierge Forever Macaroni Necklace
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Angely Martinez emerald Promise ring
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise Ring

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.

Stuller 2025-2026 bridal catalog
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Exterior of new David Yurman store in the Miami Design District
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship Store

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

Weekly QuizMay 01, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Oscar Heyman emerald and diamond necklace
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for May

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 Scholarships

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Stock image of an empty clothing store
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff Concerns

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

2025 Instore Jewelry Show Graphic
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and Focus

Now called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.

Tiffany & Co. Sea Turtle Ring
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue Book

The “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.

Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From Auction

The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.

G.B. Heron Jewelers sign
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 Years

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

National Jeweler Columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7M

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Suzanne Kalan Tech Ring Jacket Collection
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket Collection

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

JCK Industry Fund
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant Recipients

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale Team

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy