ColumnistsFeb 19, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
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 & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
