SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2021
Industry Leader and Jeweler Herbert Littman Dies at 91
He and his brother grew the largest privately-owned jewelry retail chain in the U.S. before Fred Meyer purchased it in 1998.
Herbert Littman, former co-chairman of Elangy Corporation, died Feb. 21. He helped grow Littman and Barclay Jewelers into the largest privately-owned jewelry retail chain in the U.S. before Fred Meyer Jewelers acquired it in 1998.
Boca Raton, Fla.—Herbert Littman, former co-chairman of Elangy Corporation, died Feb. 21 at the age of 91.
Littman graduated from Rutgers University and then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
The lifelong jeweler and his brother Leonard built Littman and Barclay Jewelers into what would become the largest privately-owned jewelry retail chain in the U.S. with 130 stores.
The company used two store names; Barclay was used for mall stores and generally had higher-end merchandise, his nephew, Michael Littman, confirmed to National Jeweler.
In 1996, New Jersey Monthly Magazine named Littman Jewelers “Family Business of the Year.”
Fred Meyer Jewelers bought the chain from Elangy Corp. in 1998.
Understanding that a business’s greatest strength lay in its people, Littman focused on developing and executive innovative training programs for staff, his obituary said.
This included his signature “Breakfast with Herb” sessions, which focused on selling skills and customer interactions—he’d bring a stack of $2 bills to give to salespeople who answered questions correctly.
His selling philosophy involved always greeting customers with a big smile, which he was always sure to do, and his obituary said the Littman staff adored him.
After the chain sold to Fred Meyer, two members of the next generation—Michael and his cousin, Gary Littman—opened Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry in Manalapan, New Jersey in 2002, where Littman continued his passion for training for a handful of years before retiring to Florida, Michael said.
He was a founder of the Diamond Council of America and served as vice president of Jewelers of America.
In addition to the business and his family, Littman also loved art and giving to charity.
He helped establish the first scholarship to Rutgers and was a major donor to the university’s Zimmerli Art Museum, to which he donated major collections.
He also was chairman of Israel Bonds in central New Jersey and was active in the United Way as well as many other charities.
Littman is survived by his wife, Linda; his son Robert and wife, Roz, of Boca Raton, Florida; his son Gary Littman and wife, Kelly; and five grandchildren.
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
