The jewel, which was worn to two British coronations and may contain diamonds tied to Marie Antoinette, could sell for almost $3 million.
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.
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 Latest
TJS has added presentations to its now three-day event schedule, which will take place next summer in Detroit.
Its commercial-quality sapphire, corundum, and ruby sale yielded “healthy” results, while its emerald auction was weaker than expected.
Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
The expanded “Monique Lhuillier Bliss” collection features pink, blue, and yellow lab-grown diamonds.
Exhibitors can register now for the show, which is set for Jan. 9-13.
Lux Bond & Green President and CEO John Green is receiving the honor for his devotion and service to the jewelry industry.
Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.
The former owner of Timeless Jewelers in West Salem pleaded guilty to nearly two dozen counts of theft and aggravated theft.
The company is poised to make a big push for natural diamonds this holiday season.
Australian jeweler Linneys’ smiling gold Quokka statue holds a leaf pendant with Argyle pink diamonds that detaches, becoming a necklace.
The 2025-2026 edition of “Fine Jewelry” includes 1,000 new styles with an expanded selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry.
Smith addresses fears about a plateaued market with a reminder that retailers who do it right always will have room to grow.
The executive, who was president and CEO of Bucherer USA, announced his departure via LinkedIn.
The single-owner sale features 61 lots, including several Oscar Heyman pieces.
The brand also launched its “Femme Bohème” collection filled with colorful gemstones representing “Mother Nature’s finest creations.”
Liz Fraccaro, a former legal consultant at the Antiquities Coalition, is the newest member of the JVC team.
Consumers today are looking for a little escape, and jewelry is the perfect avenue to provide it, presenters at the Vicenzaoro show said.
The “Extraordinary Lovers” collection features engagement rings with enamel scenes inspired by art and mythology.
BIPOC designers can apply for a spot in the mentorship program’s third cohort until Oct. 8.
The luxury giant recently completed its acquisition of the Italian jewelry brand.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship provides tuition help to aspiring bench jewelers.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the best jewelry looks from the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.
The lab will include reference numbers on reports for cultured pearls that contain bead nuclei embedded with an RFID tag.
Lilian Raji offers advice to a reader frustrated with the current state of their company’s website.
The actress shared her inspiration for the collection, insight into her personal style, and which jewels President Barbie would wear.
The giant gem originated from Karowe, the same mine that yielded a 2,492-carat rough diamond in late August.