CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
TrendsDec 10, 2019
Well-Known Estate Jeweler, Pearl Expert Paul Fisher Dies
The respected jeweler was known for his generosity, integrity and willingness to share his knowledge.
Paul Fisher, a well-known estate jewelry, pearl and gemstone dealer, died Dec. 4 at the age of 92.
New York—Legendary jeweler Paul Fisher, who dealt in estate jewelry as well as pearls and gemstones, died Dec. 4 due to complications from pneumonia.
He was 92 years old.
Born in Vienna, Austria in 1927, Fisher was a fifth-generation jeweler.
His family’s firm was started in the 1850s in Vienna by Julius Fisher, who was a natural pearl dealer specializing in pearls used as buttons.
In 1921, his grandsons, Ferdinand and Robert, opened the company Bruder Fisher to continue the family legacy in Vienna.
Once cultured pearls began hitting the market, they transitioned into buying and selling fine jewelry.
Robert Fisher took the business to London in 1938 and opened a New York office in 1941.
Paul Fisher, his son, established Paul Fisher Inc. in 1956, which now involves the sixth generation of family.
Paul Fisher Inc. currently has offices in New York, London and Geneva as well as representatives in Hong Kong and Paris.
Fisher worked in the jewelry industry for 74 years, from 1945 up until the day he was hospitalized, Nov. 27, according to his daughter, Marianne Fisher.
She attributes much of his success to his willingness to share his knowledge, maintain his honor and integrity, and the vast experience he gained through his travels.
He was loved because he was always fair and kind, she said.
“My dad was a very generous person. He didn’t care about being rich; he cared about being kind, about being a good human being, that was very important to him,” Marianne said.
She also described him as being “Yoda-like.”
“He was a wise man—always an old soul and knowledgeable,” she told National Jeweler.
“He traveled the world and, having survived the Holocaust, had a great appreciation for life and with any hardship always chose to see the glass half full, not half empty.”
His generosity showed clearly in what some have called his greatest legacy: the “Paul Fisher School.”
Fisher would take in apprentices—always from outside the United States to build an international network—and teach them for six months at a time, showing them everything he knew, giving them access to clients and even letting them purchase pieces on the Paul Fisher Inc. account.
He did this, his daughter said, “out of the goodness of his heart.”
He took so many in that his apprentices now number in the 40s.
Two continue to work for the company today, and many threw
Fisher a birthday party in 1989, when he turned 62, and attended his 90th birthday party in Basel, Switzerland in 2017.
Outside of jewelry, skiing was his greatest passion until an accident in Aspen, Colorado in 1998 forced him to stop, his daughter said.
Marianne said he was also an avid reader who would go through one or two books a week, mostly historical biographies.
She said there has been an outpouring of sadness from the industry at the news of his death, as for many it represents the end of an era in which business is done and honored with a handshake by “true gentlemen.”
Fisher is survived by his six children: four sons—John, Peter, Francis, Walter—and two daughters—Christa and Marianne.
Outside of jewelry, skiing was his greatest passion until an accident in Aspen, Colorado in 1998 forced him to stop, his daughter said.
Marianne said he was also an avid reader who would go through one or two books a week, mostly historical biographies.
She said there has been an outpouring of sadness from the industry at the news of his death, as for many it represents the end of an era in which business is done and honored with a handshake by “true gentlemen.”
Fisher is survived by his six children: four sons—John, Peter, Francis, Walter—and two daughters—Christa and Marianne.
More on Trends
The Latest
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
