TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
EditorsJul 12, 2012
Milt Gralla, 84: People who build
Milton Gralla, a legendary publishing executive in our business and whom many have known through his lifetime commitment to philanthropy, has passed away at age 84. Though National Jeweler was founded in 1906, it was when Milt and his brother...
Milton Gralla, a legendary publishing executive in our business and whom many have known through his lifetime commitment to philanthropy, has passed away at age 84.
Milt and Larry were real creators, guys who built their highly successful business from the ground up. They began by shepherding together trade journalists in what may have been the first real national network of business-to-business "stringers"--talented reporters who could write on topics across a large span of disciplines. Milt and Larry quickly became known for their honesty and extreme level of trustworthiness among all who worked with and for them, a quality Milt told me several times laid the foundation for their success.
As they grew, a next logical step became the acquisition of magazines. And the Grallas conceived of and developed a readily embraced business model. They would buy properties that were widely recognized in their fields but not living up to their potential. Among an eventually large stable of such titles was National Jeweler, which was being published in Chicago as a monthly, digest-sized magazine.
The Grallas blew it up to its famous tabloid size and positioned it as the news provider to fine jewelry retailers. As such, it served as an essential provider of market news and analysis to generations of North American jewelers.
Milt had a special place in his heart for the jewelry business, and he quickly embarked on a lifetime of service within industry organizations. Especially near to his heart were Jewish philanthropic causes. And even before he had achieved the enormous success he and Larry would go on to enjoy, he established himself as a large donor and participant in a vast number of such efforts.
Milt tried to instill that ethic into those who worked with him, and many of us owe him immense gratitude for steering us along those paths that he pioneered for us.
Milt was a hands-on executive, who never placed himself above those who worked for him. He was reverered for rolling up his sleeves and digging in as a regular guy. He was the type of
leader executives and gurus today seem to pay endless lip service to. But he was the real deal.
He did things not just for personal profit. The term today might be "old-school." He did the right things because he believed in doing the right things. He created because he was enormously talented. He shared because he had the heart of a lion.
Milt was a mensch.
Even after he and Larry sold the business they created, they continued to attend company meetings to ensure that those they had left behind were being treated fairly. He continued in his philanthropic ways and expanded to take on teaching journalism courses to young, eager students at a number of institutions, never forgetting the head start given to him by his education in journalism at the City College of New York. Milt loved mentoring young professionals entering the craft and endeavored to give them a leg up as they started out.
I have spent the vast majority of my professional career and nearly half my life trying to follow the example set by this man. In my 23 years at National Jeweler, I have never once forgotten or lost sight of the fact that this magazine was created by an extraordinary individual. And extraordinary individuals are few in life.
Thank you Milton Gralla, and may God grant you that very special place in heaven reserved for people like you.
More on Editors
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
