Independents

A.F. Greenwood President Richard Greenwood Dies

IndependentsApr 16, 2019

A.F. Greenwood President Richard Greenwood Dies

The industry veteran was described as a “giant of a man” and “the best friend a person could ask for.”

20190416_Greenwood-header.jpg
Richard Greenwood, second from right, died unexpectedly Saturday at the age of 70. Longtime friend and business partner Doug Parker, seen here at far left, said Greenwood was “the best friend a person could ask for.”

New York—Richard “Dick” Greenwood, president of gemstone and jewelry wholesaler A.F. Greenwood, died April 13. He was 70 years old.

Greenwood was an active member of the trade, being a founding member of the New York Jewelers Group 25 years ago. He was a past president of the organization, as well as past president of the American Gem Trade Association and the 24 Karat Club.

He also sat on the boards for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and Jewelers Security Alliance, and was a a longtime board member and past chairman of the Jewelers Board of Trade. 

The AGTA said in an email that Greenwood continued to serve the organization in an advisory capacity throughout his life and was “known as a wise counsel with a strong sense of fairness and a quick wit. His loss is profound to our community.”

AGTA CEO Doug Hucker told National Jeweler Monday that Greenwood’s booth at trade shows was always one that welcomed everyone.

“When you met him, you instantly felt like he was your friend.”

He added that Greenwood was one of the people he turned to for advice because he was an excellent listener, and good at taking all sides into account.

“He was always willing to help. He was one of those guys that if you needed him, he was there. He was genuine and told you exactly what he thought, but then he’d take you out for a drink. Losing him is like losing family.”

Longtime business partner and friend Doug Parker said Greenwood was “the best friend a person could ask for, and I’m sure anyone in the trade would say the same.”

He also noted something he thought said a lot about Greenwood: how long his staff has been around. Parker said the newest employee at A.F. Greenwood has been there for more than 18 years, with most of them staying for over 25.

“Not many can inspire that kind of loyalty.”

In an email about his passing, Patti Geolat, CEO of fine jewelry appraisal and brokerage firm Geolat Companies, referred to Greenwood as a “great friend, a loyal colleague, a loving husband and a giant of a man.”

Gemstone dealer and AGTA past president Jeff Bilgore said, “The industry lost a true treasure, a leader, a mentor to so many and a friend to all. In business Dick gave amazing value; in life he gave everyone

he touched something much more precious. He will be missed. This industry is better for all he freely gave.”

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Trudi, and their children, Dan and Amy. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 18 at 12:00 p.m. at the Riverside Memorial Chapel at 21 Broad Street West in Mount Vernon, New York.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

The Luanda Accord signatories at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.

Bad Bunny Performing Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime Performance

Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.

Miraki Jewels heart diamond signet ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRF

Jewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%

As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.

Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stuller color of the year 2026 Signature Red jewelry and gemstones
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards Category

The new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being Finalized

The White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

CASE Awards Graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE Awards

Entries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.

KIL NYC The Pierced Padlock Wounded
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s Day

From heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade

Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.

Luciano Rodembusch
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive Changes

New CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.

Cece Jewellery Bespoke Wuthering Heights Signet Rings on Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet Rings

Our Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.

Pandora platinum
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated Jewelry

The introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.

Entrance to the Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another Writedown

It would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.

Marco Bicego Paradise Amethyst Long Necklace
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple Paradise

The “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.

Watches of Switzerland Regent Street London store
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3

The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.

Headshot of Sherry Smith, National Jeweler columnist and vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold

Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York storefront
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s Bankruptcy

From how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.

Jacquie Aiche Raw Amethyst Cluster Starburst Diamond Ring
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone Bliss

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.

Matteo Cuelli
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing Director

The Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.

Bryan Cowan, Thomas Schwartz, Liliana Estrella
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership Team

The manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make Deal

President Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.

Jade Trau Spring Summer 2026 Collection Campaign
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces Rondelles

The designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.

Casio Headquarters Jersey City, New Jersey
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City Home

The watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Nivoda gemstones
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone Marketplace

The company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.

International Gemological Institute logo
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories

IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.

×

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