Independents

Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

IndependentsApr 24, 2025

Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
Herman Ginsberg, the longtime head of Ginsberg Jewelers and a leader in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, business community, died earlier this week at age 99.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa—Herman Ginsberg, a third-generation Iowa jeweler who spent 71 years behind the counter, died Sunday.

He was 99. 

Ginsberg Jewelers shared news of his passing Wednesday on Facebook

“Herman leaves behind an incredible legacy—over seven decades dedicated to the jewelry industry and a lifetime of kindness, wisdom, and passion for his craft. As a third-generation jeweler, he helped shape our family business and touched countless lives with his warmth and generosity,” the post states.

“He will be truly missed, but never forgotten.”

According to his obituary, Ginsberg was born Emil Herman Ginsberg on Jan. 15, 1926, in Sedalia, Missouri. 

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps after high school, serving as a corporal at Hobbs Army Airfield in New Mexico from 1943 to 1945. 

After he served in the military, Ginsberg attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in commerce in 1948. 

He started working at Ginsberg Jewelers as soon as possible, literally. 

As he tells it, Ginsberg went out to lunch with his family after his graduation ceremony, and after lunch, he started working in the store. 

For decades, he ran Ginsberg Jewelers alongside his father and brothers, and, at one point, the business grew to five locations in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa.

In a live oral histories event in 2018, which was recorded and shared on the Linn County History Center’s YouTube channel, the longtime jeweler told a holiday story many retailers can appreciate.

One Christmas, Ginsberg decided to take out a small ad in the local newspaper announcing that Ginsberg Jewelers would be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day for “the real procrastinators.” 

“My wife didn’t like it, [and] none of the employees would come to work,” Herman recalled, so he headed to the store alone that Dec. 25.   

When he got there, there was a line of 10 to 15 people waiting at the door, and he said it turned out to be one of the best sales days he ever had. 

Ginsberg’s son, Steve Ginsberg, joined the business in 1993. Together, they navigated recessions and the 2008 flood that devastated Cedar Rapids.

A fixture in the downtown Cedar Rapids business community, Herman invested in and worked to sustain the area for years and was “deeply and personally” affected by the flood, his obituary states. 

He and Steve moved their store out of downtown Cedar Rapids and into a shopping center in 2009.   

Herman retired in 2019, and in 2024, Steve transitioned Ginsberg Jewelers to an appointment-only operation, closing the physical store.

Herman is survived by three children, Julie Brusen, Steve Ginsberg, and Tom Ginsberg; seven grandchildren, Robin Brusen, Sam Brusen, Jackson Bartelme, Lincoln Ginsberg, Harrison Ginsberg, Isabel Ginsberg, and Alexander Ginsberg; one great-granddaughter, Penelope Rose Brusen; one son-in-law, Karl Brusen; and two daughters-in-law, Leslie Hurtig and Lucy Harrington. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Phyllis Ginsberg, and two brothers, Stanley and Louis.

Services are scheduled to be held today at 1 p.m. CDT at Temple Judah in Cedar Rapids, with burial immediately following. A shiva will be held at the temple at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Temple Judah Foundation

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Caryl Capeci Starboard Cruises
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry Shopping

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy