CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
IndependentsFeb 16, 2018
Ira Kinsler, Former National Jeweler Publisher, Dies at 94
The World War II veteran got into the business of trade publications after working in the garment industry.
Pompano Beach, Florida--Ira Kinsler, who ended his career working as the publisher of National Jeweler, died Feb. 8 at his home in Pompano Beach, Florida. He was 94.
Born July 22, 1923 in New York, Kinsler was the son of Jack W. and Rose Kinsler (née Schechter). He went to public school in Brooklyn, and then joined his father in the garment industry business.
When World War II started, he volunteered for the draft and spent time in both military intelligence and in an Air-Sea Rescue Unit near the Panama Canal.
After the way, much of the garment business moved overseas and Kinsler changed careers, working first as an advertising salesman and, later, as a national sales manager for trade publications.
One of those publications was National Jeweler.
Centurion show founder Howard Hauben, who also was the publisher of National Jeweler at one time, said when he joined the magazine as an editorial trainee in 1977, Kinsler already was “an absolute legend.”
He had helped to make National Jeweler the most successful magazine at Gralla Publications, with two issues a month generating close to 200 ad pages each.
“He was larger than life and a very nice guy, extremely well-liked and a real tour de force,” Hauben said. “It sounds like his life after National Jeweler was wonderful, and I am very happy for having known him.”
Kinsler retired to Florida in the late 1970s/early 1980s--sort of.
Norman Miller, another National Jeweler alumni, said when he joined the staff in 1980, Kinsler was retiring to Florida, “but not really retiring.”
“He was still the king of the trade shows,” Miller recalled. “When I covered the Florida shows he was always there, lending a guiding hand.
“I have very fond memories of he and (his wife) Elaine.”
In addition to being well-liked, Kinsler also was passionate about fairness, treated everyone with respect and dignity, and was generous.
Up until the week of his death, he was making contributions to progressive political candidates who shared his views.
He is survived by two sons, Dr. Philip Kinsler and his wife Margaret of Lyme, New Hampshire, and Dr. Norman Kinsler and his wife Alice of Concord, New Hampshire; four granddaughters, Heather, Sarah and Emily Kinsler, and Rebecca Kinsler-Malloy; three great-grandsons, Ethan
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Kinsler-King and Ryan and Connor Malloy; and a niece to whom he was very close, Natalie Gaines.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Elaine.
Services took place Wednesday at Temple Beth Jacob in Concord, with interment following at Blossom Hill Cemetery, also in Concord.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Beth Jacob, 67 Broadway, Concord, NH, 03301; to the Southern Poverty Law Center; or to the ACLU.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Elaine.
Services took place Wednesday at Temple Beth Jacob in Concord, with interment following at Blossom Hill Cemetery, also in Concord.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Beth Jacob, 67 Broadway, Concord, NH, 03301; to the Southern Poverty Law Center; or to the ACLU.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
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.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
