Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
