IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsIndependentsApr 01, 2025
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
