Independents

Seymour Holtzman of CD Peacock Dies at 88

IndependentsJun 07, 2024

Seymour Holtzman of CD Peacock Dies at 88

He was remembered by loved ones as “an authentic, original American entrepreneur.”

Seymour Holtzman
Seymour Holtzman, the owner of C.D. Peacock, died at the age of 88 on May 28.
Palm Beach, Fla.—Seymour Holtzman, owner of Chicago-area jeweler C.D. Peacock, died May 28.

He was 88.

Holtzman was born in 1935 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Max and Bella Holtzman. He was the youngest of four. Later in life, he moved to Palm Beach, Florida.

He married his wife Evelyn (Evie) in 1957 and they had two sons, Marc and Steven, and a daughter, Allison.

In a statement to National Jeweler, his family remembered him as “an authentic, original American entrepreneur” who listed his first company on the New York Stock Exchange at age 32.

“During his incredible life, he successfully grew, acquired, and turned around more than a dozen businesses in publishing, retail, jewelry manufacturing, banking, and a nationwide men’s clothing chain with 450 stores.”

He purchased C.D. Peacock in 1993 following the bankruptcy of its former owner, Birks.

The storied jeweler, formerly called The House of Peacock, was founded in February 1837 and has had a number of high-profile clients. It’s said to be where President Abraham Lincoln purchased Mary Todd’s engagement ring.

Holtzman ran the store for nearly two decades before transferring leadership to his son Steven in 2022.

C.D. Peacock recently opened its new 20,000-square-foot store in a shopping center just outside of Chicago.

In addition to C.D. Peacock, Holtzman owned a Rolex boutique in Miami, and was the chairman and largest shareholder of Destination XL Group, a retailer of “big and tall” apparel for men, from 2006 to 2020, according to his website.

He was CEO and board chairman of Gruen Marketing Corporation, an American Stock Exchange-listed company that distributed watches.

He also was president and chief executive officer of retail chain Jewelcor Inc.

Outside of retail, Holtzman served as national finance co-chairman for the Reagan-Bush campaign and later was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Industry Policy Advisory Committee for trade policy matters.

“As a pioneer in opening markets in Eastern Europe to his service under President Reagan, he set the standard for living a life based on a strong sense of ethics, high character and integrity,” said his family.

As for his philanthropic efforts, he recently partnered with Jewelers of America on the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship, which will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students looking to train as bench jewelers.

Holtzman has been honored as “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Cardinal Cushing School and Training Center and “Man of the Year” by the B’nai B’rith Youth Services.

Outside of work, he was an avid sportsman, a biker, and a former dance instructor at Arthur Murray.

Greg Cant, president of Holtzman’s alma mater Wilkes University, told the Wilkes-Barre-based Times Leader, “Seymour was a spirited guy right to the end. He loved life and he always lived it to the fullest. [He] was always an ambitious guy who exceeded his wildest dreams. There will never be another Seymour Holtzman.”

While he found success in business, his greatest love was his wife of nearly 67 years, Evie, and his family, they said.

“Seymour’s life, as witnessed by all who knew him, was certainly full, and he leaves behind an enduring legacy,” the family said.

He is survived by his wife, Evie; sons, Marc and Steven; daughter, Allison; daughters-in-law Kristen and Qi Holtzman; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Wilkes University


Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
Events & AwardsJun 06, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

×

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