ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
IndependentsSep 24, 2024
Roland Brinker, Founder of Brinker’s Jewelers, Dies at 84
He is remembered as a family man with a love for the game of golf.
Roland Brinker, the founder of family-owned Brinker’s Jewelers, died Sept. 8 at the age of 84.
Evansville, Ind.—Roland Brinker, the founder of Brinker’s Jewelers in Evansville, Indiana, died Sept. 8 at the age of 84.
The Evansville native was born on Jan. 19, 1940.
His jewelry career began in 1961 when he joined Gem Craft Jewelers, where he learned about jewelry and watch repair.
In 1972, he founded Brinker’s Jewelers, which is still family-owned and operated.
His son, Dean Brinker is currently the president and CEO of Brinker’s Jewelers, while his son Dirk Brinker is the company’s vice president.
At the time, Brinker and his wife, Eula “Jeanette” Brinker, had four children under the age of 12.
To start the business, he took the cash value out of a small life insurance policy and sold the diamond from Jeanette’s engagement ring.
Using parts from his son’s highchair, he made his first jeweler’s bench.
“Roland was guided by the principles of hard work, honoring your word, treating others how you want to be treated, and treating others’ property like it was your own,” said the company in a statement about his passing.
In 1994, he became a partner and developer of Eagle Crossing Subdivision. He later became the principal owner of Eagle Valley Golf Course, which opened in 1998.
The golf course was owned and operated by the Brinker family for more than 20 years.
“He had four loves in his life: his family, Brinker’s Jewelers, Eagle Valley Golf Course, and the game of golf,” said the company.
“Roland created many long-lasting friendships throughout his life because he was honest and fair.”
The businessman was generous with his time and financial resources, said the company, donating both to McCutchanville Park, local golf courses, local golf tournaments, and youth golf teams in the Evansville community.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette; his sons, Dean, Darren, Dirk, and Darrett; and their wives and children.
The Evansville native was born on Jan. 19, 1940.
His jewelry career began in 1961 when he joined Gem Craft Jewelers, where he learned about jewelry and watch repair.
In 1972, he founded Brinker’s Jewelers, which is still family-owned and operated.
His son, Dean Brinker is currently the president and CEO of Brinker’s Jewelers, while his son Dirk Brinker is the company’s vice president.
At the time, Brinker and his wife, Eula “Jeanette” Brinker, had four children under the age of 12.
To start the business, he took the cash value out of a small life insurance policy and sold the diamond from Jeanette’s engagement ring.
Using parts from his son’s highchair, he made his first jeweler’s bench.
“Roland was guided by the principles of hard work, honoring your word, treating others how you want to be treated, and treating others’ property like it was your own,” said the company in a statement about his passing.
In 1994, he became a partner and developer of Eagle Crossing Subdivision. He later became the principal owner of Eagle Valley Golf Course, which opened in 1998.
The golf course was owned and operated by the Brinker family for more than 20 years.
“He had four loves in his life: his family, Brinker’s Jewelers, Eagle Valley Golf Course, and the game of golf,” said the company.
“Roland created many long-lasting friendships throughout his life because he was honest and fair.”
The businessman was generous with his time and financial resources, said the company, donating both to McCutchanville Park, local golf courses, local golf tournaments, and youth golf teams in the Evansville community.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette; his sons, Dean, Darren, Dirk, and Darrett; and their wives and children.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
