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

De Beers Desert Diamonds Bridal Campaign Imagery
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into Bridal

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Model wearing Bulgari Vimini necklace and earrings
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East Conflict

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

International Jade Summit
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to Monterey

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Continental Buying Group
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas Show

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Uniform Object Carbon Form Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative Applications

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Coconut Grove Miami
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in Miami

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

Police car with lights on
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed Robbery

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

Watches on a table next to a coffee cup
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

Ophelia Eve Scroll Toggle Pendant
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your Secrets

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

Tiffany & Co. Nathalie Verdeille
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic Officer

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

Jacob & Co. The Godfather II Musical Watch
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

Alan Hodgkinson
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New Award

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

Oris CEO Rolf Studer and Oris CFO Claudine Gertiser
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFO

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

Hearts On Fire What’s Your Signature Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a Question

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

41.82-carat Type IIb blue diamond recovered from Cullinan in January 2026
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

American Gem Society Confluence Logo
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability Sessions

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

Dennis Buzz Busby and Randy Welch
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller Employees

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

Isabel Delgado A necklace
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

QVC Group logo
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into Question

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace Culture

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

Retiring GIA CFO David Tearle and new GIA CFO John Cowley
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Gemology Geek Ignite collection tourmaline ring
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry Collection

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

×

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