IndependentsMar 14, 2025
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Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years
The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
Bergman Jewelers will soon close after 137 years in business. Pictured from left to right are Kevin Gilinksy, Patty Gilinksy, and Larry Gilinsky. (Image courtesy of Bergman Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Omaha, Neb.—Bergman Jewelers, one of the oldest retailers in Omaha, Nebraska, will soon close its doors after 137 years in business.
The store’s closure marks the end of a six-generation legacy in the jewelry industry, as Larry Gilinsky and his daughter-in-law, Patty Gilinsky, head into retirement, the jeweler said in a press release.
However, the family name will carry on in business through Bergman Incentives, a promotional products company established by Larry’s sons, Kevin and David, according to a local report.
His sons’ company is growing quickly and needs to expand from the location it currently shares with Bergman Jewelers. Larry said he isn’t interested in moving the business and instead chose to retire, closing the store by the end of April.
“I wasn’t ready to retire. We were having fun. The jewelry business is terrific,” Larry said to the local news.
According to the store’s website, Bergman Jewelers' story began in 1884 when 21-year-old Sol Bergman was sent from New York to Omaha by his employer, Hammel Riglander Company, an importer of wholesale jewelry and watch parts.
Bergman was tasked with helping the Max Meyer Company of Omaha sell a $10,000 consignment of watch materials it had purchased from Hammel Riglander.
“What Sol became aware of was that he liked Omaha; its business potential and its people. They were honest and hearty people who possessed a candor that made him feel pleasantly at ease when compared to the hustle and bustle of New York City,” said the retailer.
Bergman then bought what would become Bergman Jewelers, founding the company in 1888.
The Bergman Company, as it was then known, began wholesaling jewelry, diamonds, watches, and other merchandise to retailers in the Midwest.
He started a life in Omaha, bringing his son, Clarence Bergman, into the business when he was 18 years old, followed by his son-in-law, Stewart Gilinsky.
Stewart’s son Larry joined the business in 1961 and is its current president.
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The store’s closure marks the end of a six-generation legacy in the jewelry industry, as Larry Gilinsky and his daughter-in-law, Patty Gilinsky, head into retirement, the jeweler said in a press release.
However, the family name will carry on in business through Bergman Incentives, a promotional products company established by Larry’s sons, Kevin and David, according to a local report.
His sons’ company is growing quickly and needs to expand from the location it currently shares with Bergman Jewelers. Larry said he isn’t interested in moving the business and instead chose to retire, closing the store by the end of April.
“I wasn’t ready to retire. We were having fun. The jewelry business is terrific,” Larry said to the local news.
According to the store’s website, Bergman Jewelers' story began in 1884 when 21-year-old Sol Bergman was sent from New York to Omaha by his employer, Hammel Riglander Company, an importer of wholesale jewelry and watch parts.
Bergman was tasked with helping the Max Meyer Company of Omaha sell a $10,000 consignment of watch materials it had purchased from Hammel Riglander.
“What Sol became aware of was that he liked Omaha; its business potential and its people. They were honest and hearty people who possessed a candor that made him feel pleasantly at ease when compared to the hustle and bustle of New York City,” said the retailer.
Bergman then bought what would become Bergman Jewelers, founding the company in 1888.
The Bergman Company, as it was then known, began wholesaling jewelry, diamonds, watches, and other merchandise to retailers in the Midwest.
He started a life in Omaha, bringing his son, Clarence Bergman, into the business when he was 18 years old, followed by his son-in-law, Stewart Gilinsky.
Stewart’s son Larry joined the business in 1961 and is its current president.
The jeweler attributes its longevity in part to Larry’s willingness to try new things, it said.
The company went from wholesale to retail in the late 1980s at a time when retailers started to partner with manufacturers directly, said the company.
In recent years, its growth has been driven by its consignment program, allowing the store to lower its inventory budget.
“As we have grown, we have been privileged to meet wonderful people and develop irreplaceable friendships,” Larry said in a letter shared on social media.
“It has been an appreciated and memorable experience to be a part of your lives and celebrate your special occasions and milestones over the years.”
To celebrate Larry and Patty’s retirements, the store is holding a going-out-of-business sale.
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