SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
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
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
