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
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
