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.
MajorsMay 26, 2021
John Robert Goldman, a ‘Character’ Who’ll Be Missed By All, Dies at 67
Goldman was part of the family that started Medco Jewelry Corp. and also worked at Gordon’s Jewelers, Richline and Cynergy.
John Robert Goldman, who started his career in the jewelry industry in the late ‘70s, died of cancer earlier this month. He was a “character” who loved unusual eyeglasses and Kansas City Chiefs football, said brother Richard Goldman.
Santa Monica, Calif.—John Robert Goldman, a jewelry industry veteran and member of the family that started Medco Jewelry Corp., died of cancer on May 5.
He was 67.
Goldman grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
He was in college for one year before returning home and getting sent to work in the New York City office of the family business, Medco Jewelry Corp.
A precursor to Finlay Fine Jewelry, Medco leased the fine jewelry departments in stores like J.C. Penney and Woolco, and operated catalog showrooms that competed with Service Merchandise.
His brother, Richard Goldman, said John started by sorting diamonds before getting into the merchandising side of the business.
After Medco shut down in the early ‘80s, he took a job in merchandising with Gordon’s Jewelers in Houston and, later, moved on to do merchandising for off-price department store chain Marshalls.
After leaving Marshalls, John worked in product development for OroAmerica Inc., Aurafin LLC (which acquired OroAmerica in 2001) and, eventually, Richline Group, which bought Aurafin in 2007.
His last job was in product development for jewelry manufacturer Cynergy Trading Corp.
“He worked to the day he died,” Richard said.
Richard said his brother was a “character” who loved wearing funky glasses, was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by his three children, Max, Jack and Grace Goldman; his older brother, Richard; and his nephew, Charles Goldman.
A small memorial service was held for John in California. Richard said a graveside service will take place in their native Kansas City in the coming months.
He was 67.
Goldman grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
He was in college for one year before returning home and getting sent to work in the New York City office of the family business, Medco Jewelry Corp.
A precursor to Finlay Fine Jewelry, Medco leased the fine jewelry departments in stores like J.C. Penney and Woolco, and operated catalog showrooms that competed with Service Merchandise.
His brother, Richard Goldman, said John started by sorting diamonds before getting into the merchandising side of the business.
After Medco shut down in the early ‘80s, he took a job in merchandising with Gordon’s Jewelers in Houston and, later, moved on to do merchandising for off-price department store chain Marshalls.
After leaving Marshalls, John worked in product development for OroAmerica Inc., Aurafin LLC (which acquired OroAmerica in 2001) and, eventually, Richline Group, which bought Aurafin in 2007.
His last job was in product development for jewelry manufacturer Cynergy Trading Corp.
“He worked to the day he died,” Richard said.
Richard said his brother was a “character” who loved wearing funky glasses, was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by his three children, Max, Jack and Grace Goldman; his older brother, Richard; and his nephew, Charles Goldman.
A small memorial service was held for John in California. Richard said a graveside service will take place in their native Kansas City in the coming months.
More on Majors
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
