CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMay 15, 2017
Retailer Hall of Fame 2017 Inductee: John Henne
For this fourth generation Pittsburgh jeweler, integrity comes first and business comes second.
John Henne is the 2017 single-store independent inductee into National Jeweler’s Retail Hall of Fame. He is the fourth-generation owner of Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
To get to know John Henne, the owner of Pittsburgh’s Henne Jewelers, one might start by reading his great-grandfather’s obituary.
Click here to read the full story in the Retailer Hall of Fame issue.
Rudolph Joseph “R.J.” Henne founded Henne Jewelers in 1887. Upon his death in 1936, the Pittsburgh Press described him as a “gentle, retiring man whose acts of charity and deeds of kindness were as numerous as they were unostentatious.”
Four generations and 130 years later, the same could be said of John Henne.
Along with his sisters, Henne grew up in the family business, which was headed by his father, Jack, who is now retired, though he still pops into the store occasionally.
“The real advantage I had over many other people in this industry is that my dad, from very early on, let my sisters and me make the decisions that impacted the future of the business,” says Henne. “Even though he was the president and really ran things, his attitude was that ultimately it would be ours, so we should be making the decisions.”
Henne officially joined the store in 1992, following completion of an accounting degree at Grove City College and a three-year stint as a certified public accountant at KPMG.
From the outset, Henne wanted to innovate.
Henne Jewelers’ current storefront in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This was the original store, founded by John Henne’s great-grandfather, R.G. Henne.
After R.G., his son R.J. Henne, John’s grandfather, took over the store. R.J. is pictured left with a young Jack Henne, John’s father.
Here is a picture of R.G., Jack and a young John Henne.
“[Bridal] was the challenge and the opportunity when I joined,” he says, noting that, at the time, it only accounted for 2 percent of sales.
Henne used his personal connections in the community to become a go-to store for engagement rings. By also reducing margins, transitioning to diamonds with grading reports and increasing inventory, the bridal business increased naturally over the years.
Longtime colleague Clayton Bromberg of Underwood’s Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida (a 2003 inductee of the Retailer Hall of Fame himself), credits Henne’s accounting background and business acumen for his rise over the years to become “one of the retail leaders in the field in all of the country.”
“His approach to things is not just a gut feeling,” Bromberg explains. “He goes in and systematically looks at everything, methodically and financially, to help him with decision making. Then he also seeks advice from experts in the field.”
Henne used his personal connections in the community to become a go-to store for engagement rings. By also reducing margins, transitioning to diamonds with grading reports and increasing inventory, the bridal business increased naturally over the years.
Longtime colleague Clayton Bromberg of Underwood’s Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida (a 2003 inductee of the Retailer Hall of Fame himself), credits Henne’s accounting background and business acumen for his rise over the years to become “one of the retail leaders in the field in all of the country.”
“His approach to things is not just a gut feeling,” Bromberg explains. “He goes in and systematically looks at everything, methodically and financially, to help him with decision making. Then he also seeks advice from experts in the field.”
Of all the expertise Henne has solicited, his father’s lessons are the ones that resonate most.
Henne says the most valuable thing he learned from his dad, whom he describes as humble and family-oriented, was, “to always do what’s right, even when it hurts.”
As an example, Henne recalls that shortly after he and his sisters took over ownership of the store in the 1990s, a customer contacted him wanting to sell some tanzanite. Henne’s gemologist estimated the stones to be worth $4,000 to $5,000 and Henne arranged for a dealer in New York to buy them.
“His approach to things is not just a gut feeling. He goes in and systematically looks at everything, methodically and financially, to help him with decision making.” — Clayton Bromberg on John Henne
In the midst of an office move, the New York dealer lost the package of tanzanite, but offered to pay the customer $5,000, the higher end of the estimate. The customer changed his mind, deciding the tanzanite was worth far more, about $11,000 or $12,000.
“My first feeling was that it wasn’t reasonable,” Henne remembers.
His father, however, told Henne that the customer was always right, stressing that it was Henne’s job to rectify the situation. Henne ended up paying the difference.
“It was a great lesson and I’ve carried that forward,” he says. “Whenever dealing with customers or situations that involve money, do what’s right. You’ll be able to sleep at night, feel good about the situation, and you’ll forget about the money.”
A year later, Henne won the Pittsburgh Business Ethics Award in the small business category.
A Man of Faith
Henne always has made philanthropy and community involvement a priority. He’s served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations.
The first was Imani Christian Academy, a pre-k through 12th grade private school in Pittsburgh that offers tuition-based scholarships to its students, thus providing a quality education to mainly at-risk kids. Henne served on the board for 10 years.
“Whenever dealing with customers or situations that involve money, do what’s right. You’ll be able to sleep at night, feel good about the situation, and you’ll forget about the money.” — John Henne
“I found that I was able to add some value to it,” he says. “I knew people who could write much bigger checks than I could. I never asked or pushed, but if I presented the story of Imani Christian Academy, sometimes they were compelled to get involved.
“Seeing the impact on these people’s lives is dramatic. Some of the alumni that were students when I was on the board are now in their late 20s with families. They stop into the store, and it’s neat to know that you’ve played a very small part in something that helped them.”
Henne is guided very much by faith. He and his wife Dara and their four sons worship, variously, at a Catholic parish and at an Evangelical Christian Missionary Alliance church.
“My faith is what I rely on to guide and direct everything I do, particularly at work,” he says. “That doesn’t mean I pray at staff meetings or preach and proselytize--in fact, I don’t think that’s an effective way to represent your faith--but faith is something that I very much use to guide and direct what we do. That’s been a tradition that has been passed on all the way from my great-grandfather.”
While Henne had long been involved in philanthropic work outside of the store, it was during his participation in a Christian leadership group 10 years ago that he became inspired to incorporate philanthropy directly into his work at Henne Jewelers.
In the group, Henne was asked to think of a way he could use his business to create positive societal change. Initially, he felt overwhelmed by the task.
He says, “They called it a breakthrough goal. I thought, this is a silly little retail jewelry store. What could we possibly do that would change the world?”
At the time, Henne was struggling with the idea of “having it all” in life. He had one friend and role model whom he considered to be an example of a person who was successfully balancing all areas of life. But Henne’s idea of perfection was shaken to the core when his friend confessed that he had been unfaithful to his wife.
Ultimately, the marriage didn’t survive but it gave Henne an idea for his very own “breakthrough.”
Henne established the “To Have and To Hold” program at his store. It entails giving couples shopping for engagement rings a book by Gary Chapman titled: “Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Got Married.” He also encourages engaged couples to obtain pre-marital counseling. If they do, they get $100 off each wedding band purchased.
Henne explains, “Our business is about love, and our mission is to enhance and strengthen relationships. If we can do that sincerely and legitimately, then I’m excited to get behind it and come to work. Our staff can feel that way too.”
An interior look at Henne Jewelers
An assortment of rings
Another view of the store
While Henne’s relationships with customers transcend selling jewelry, there’s no denying they’ve had a positive impact on the business.
During his tenure, the store has expanded twice. The second time involved moving locations, a decision that required a sizable loan. “My dad was against it,” Henne recalls, “because he was very against debt. We still have tax returns from 1929 to 1932, when the business dropped in half.” For the elder Henne, the returns served as a reminder of how quickly one’s fortunes could turn.
The move ended up being a success.
“I remember my dad walking in the door and he joked, ‘I’m so glad I was for this from the beginning.’ He was ultimately very proud that we did it,” says Henne.
Family Ties
Over his 25-year career, Henne says that his biggest challenge also ranks as his proudest accomplishment: successfully navigating a family-owned business through its various ownership transitions without sacrificing relationships.
“He rose as the family leader and the one who became the man in charge in that generation,” says Bromberg. “To do that the way he did it, without causing tremendous animosity in the family, requires unbelievable discipline and leadership.”
Pictured from left to right: John Henne, his parents Nancy and Jack, son Luke and wife Dara. Out of his four sons, Henne says that Luke “is a natural salesperson like his grandmother.”
Henne bought out his sisters amicably in the 2000s, relying on the services of a family business counselor to facilitate the process, just as they had done during the buy-out of their parents.
The counselor told them that every family, no matter how tight-knit, has its issues, and encouraged the Hennes to explore them and continue meeting over time, putting work into maintaining the health of their relationships.
“I give credit to my parents and to my sisters, to have walked through that with them and still go on family vacations together,” he says.
Henne’s four sons are young, and there’s no telling if there will one day be a fifth generation of Henne Jewelers.
“They have the option to come into the business and the option not to,” says Henne, whose wife Dara is an attorney. “Whatever they choose, we will support them.”
When Henne speaks to various youth groups, he tells them to choose a career they will love.
“Notice in my great-grandfather’s obituary that it talks about his life of service, his giving, his philanthropy, and his faith. It doesn’t mention sales volume, profitability, or the car he drove. So as you’re planning out your life, think about what legacy you want to leave,” Henne advises.
“It’s not about sales and margins and profits, it’s about how you live your life.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal OfficialThe formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.
ColumnistsFeb 25, 2025
Peter Smith: Here’s What I Think Retailers need to have the right merchandise, marketing, and people in place to stay on top in a sea of uncertainty, Peter Smith writes.
