TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
IndependentsSep 30, 2019
Imperial Pearl’s Banice Bazar Dies at 90
He started his career in the jewelry industry in 1953 after earning a Bronze Star in the Korean War.
Banice Carl Bazar was a Korean War vet, father of four, and chairman of the board for Imperial Pearl Company. He died on Sept. 20 at the age of 90.
Providence, R.I.—Banice Carl Bazar, who started his career in the jewelry industry in 1953 after earning a Bronze Star in the Korean War, died Sept. 20.
He was 90.
Born Feb. 13, 1929, 20 minutes after twin sister Doris (“Dottie”), Bazar was one of six children of Samuel and Jenny (Bloom) Bazar. Samuel was in the jewelry business; he owned a rhinestone jewelry manufacturing company called AS Manufacturing.
Banice Bazar went to the University of Rhode Island after high school, making his way through college by working as a waiter and entering the university’s ROTC program.
After he graduated as a chemist in 1951, Bazar went off to fight in the Korean War as a U.S. Army lieutenant commanding a unit in the 388th Chemical Smoke Generator Company (the unit laid down smoke screens to protect the infantry.)
There, he earned a Bronze Star Medal by driving a Jeep across the smoke-screen line to rescue several soldiers trapped on the wrong side.
When Bazar returned to the United States, he started a business as a representative for jewelry manufacturers, hopping onto U.S. Navy ships in port in Newport, Rhode Island and Boston to sell lines like Bulova, Giovanni Jewelry Company, Imperial Pearl Syndicate and Deltah Pearl Company into their on-board exchange stores.
In the 1970s, with the pearl business in the midst of a downturn, he had the opportunity to buy Imperial and Deltah and so he did, combining them to form one big company.
Imperial-Deltah grew over the years, with three of Bazar’s grandsons coming on board.
In an interview on the history of Imperial Pearl posted online, Bazar talked about his fondness for the gemstones and their “subdued” beauty, and what he believes has kept his company in business all these years—making everyone feel valued.
“Treat your customers like family, treat your employees like family, and you’ll come out like I did, and I’m very proud of that fact,” he said.
Bazar was a member of the Providence Jewelers Club, 24 Karat Club and Cultured Pearl Association of America, and was a founding member of Prime Jewelry Group and past president and member of the Plumb Club.
Outside of work, he and his wife Beverly Bazar owned an inn in the ski resort town of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. He was known as a gregarious host in the inn’s lounge, the last to leave at night and the first
on the slopes in the morning.
He loved spending time with his family and all sports, particularly men’s basketball at the University of Rhode Island.
Bazar is survived by his children and their spouses, Peter and Charlotte Bazar, David and Susan Bazar, Karen and Alan Bergel, and Ann Bazar; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his wife of 66 years, Beverly; one son, Joseph; and a granddaughter, Dayna Bazar.
Funeral services for Bazar were held Sept. 24 at Temple Beth-El in Providence. Burial was in Swan Point Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the URI to support the men’s basketball team, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston RI, 02881.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to correct Banice Bazar’s birth year (1929, not 1926) and he number of children he had (four, not five). In addition, the name of Bazar’s sister was listed incorrectly in the obituary submitted for him. It is Doris, not Dorothy.
He loved spending time with his family and all sports, particularly men’s basketball at the University of Rhode Island.
Bazar is survived by his children and their spouses, Peter and Charlotte Bazar, David and Susan Bazar, Karen and Alan Bergel, and Ann Bazar; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his wife of 66 years, Beverly; one son, Joseph; and a granddaughter, Dayna Bazar.
Funeral services for Bazar were held Sept. 24 at Temple Beth-El in Providence. Burial was in Swan Point Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the URI to support the men’s basketball team, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston RI, 02881.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to correct Banice Bazar’s birth year (1929, not 1926) and he number of children he had (four, not five). In addition, the name of Bazar’s sister was listed incorrectly in the obituary submitted for him. It is Doris, not Dorothy.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
