MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
IndependentsAug 05, 2020
Roger Gesswein Jr., a True Gentleman, Dies at 77
He was the third generation to lead tools and equipment supplier Paul H. Gesswein Co.
Roger Gesswein Jr., pictured here in a photo taken in 2018, died Friday at the age of 77.
New York—Roger Gesswein Jr., chairman of global jewelry tools and equipment supplier Paul H. Gesswein Co., died Friday after a battle with mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of cancer.
He was 77.
Gesswein was the third generation of his family to head the company founded by his grandfather, German immigrant Paul H. Gesswein, in 1914 on Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan.
He joined the family business in the 1960s after earning a degree in political science from the University of Connecticut, working alongside brother Dwight Gesswein and sister Janet Gesswein Mutti.
In a 2014 interview with Southern Jewelry News marking the company’s 100th anniversary, he recalled working in the family business even before that, going in on weekends and holidays to “play around the office” when he was 14 before taking on more serious tasks when he reached the legal working age of 16.
Gesswein was named president of the company in 1978 and, later, CEO and chairman, helping to innovate and grow the New York-based family business into a global operation.
As news of his passing spread online this week, jewelers recalled how Gesswein and his family’s company had helped them throughout their careers.
“May your father’s memory be a blessing,” one Facebook user wrote on the page of his son, Roger III. “Your company has been outfitting our jewelry store for decades. We bought our first bench and rectifier from him.”
Outside of the family business, Gesswein was active with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, and was a former president and chairman of the 24 Karat Club of New York City.
In a tribute published Monday, Centurion Editor Hedda Schupak recalled the parties Gesswein would host at his home on the Friday before the annual 24 Karat Club banquet held in New York each January.
“Even before I became a member of the 24 Karat Club, Roger always took time to greet me charmingly, and thoughtfully answer any questions I had about the industry,” she wrote. “He and his wife, Farideh, always welcomed me graciously to their home for their famous annual pre-24 Karat party.”
Gesswein was known for being generous and cultured. His interests outside of the jewelry industry included traveling, food and wine, cigars, art, and music.
He was preceded in death by his sister Janet, who passed away in 2004.
He is survived by his wife, Farideh; daughter Kristen (Stephen
Fealy); twin sons, Roger III and Alex; brother Dwight; three grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who wish to make a charitable donation in Gesswein’s memory can make checks payable to: HUMC Foundation #1126 BMT Inpatient, with the memo: In honor of Roger Hudson Gesswein Jr.
The checks should be mailed to Hackensack Meridian, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, 160 Essex St., Suite 101, Lodi, NJ 07644.
“These are the people who nurtured and guided Roger through his long and difficult struggle, and cared for him with love and compassion throughout his final months, weeks and days,” his family said.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include information about charitable donations in Roger Gesswein Jr.’s memory.
Memorial services will be held at a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who wish to make a charitable donation in Gesswein’s memory can make checks payable to: HUMC Foundation #1126 BMT Inpatient, with the memo: In honor of Roger Hudson Gesswein Jr.
The checks should be mailed to Hackensack Meridian, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, 160 Essex St., Suite 101, Lodi, NJ 07644.
“These are the people who nurtured and guided Roger through his long and difficult struggle, and cared for him with love and compassion throughout his final months, weeks and days,” his family said.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include information about charitable donations in Roger Gesswein Jr.’s memory.
More on Independents
The Latest
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is SoldGrosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in OctoberA more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsThe funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security AllianceJennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry WeekThis year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2MThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and LoveThe ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains SluggishThe company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest RocksParticipants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style FileThese 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a YachtStarboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.
