TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
IndependentsSep 07, 2016
Jeweler Alvin Goldfarb Dies at 84
The Seattle retailer got into the business in the late 1950s and opened his own store, Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler, in 1980.
Alvin Goldfarb opened his eponymous jewelry store in 1980 and “immediately established a reputation for unparalleled integrity, quality and privacy.” The jeweler died earlier this week at the age of 84.
Seattle--Alvin Goldfarb, a fixture in the jewelry industry since the late 1950s, died Sunday in his hometown of Seattle. He was 84.
Born to Sylvia and Samuel Goldfarb, Alvin Goldfarb grew up in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood and attended Garfield High School, where he played basketball and performed in a well-known local quartet called the Debonaires.
He went on to attend the University of Washington. There, he enrolled in ROTC and continued to sing with the Debonaires, which eventually became a duo called The Two-Tones.
After graduation, Goldfarb served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and earned his graduate gemology diploma from the Gemological Institute of America.
He married Jackie Friedlander, the woman who would be by his side for the next 59 years, in 1957 and decided to join Friedlander & Sons Jewelers.
There, his caring and attention to clients laid the foundation for a long career in the jewelry industry and friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Goldfarb opened Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler in the Seattle suburb of Bellevue in 1980, a bold move in the days when the neighborhood was strictly suburbia.
But the shop survived and today it is run by his son Steven, who is store president.
Outside the jewelry industry, Goldfarb taught Hebrew school at Temple de Hirsch Sinai, was president of the Pacific Northwest Jewelers Association and the Mercer Island Country Club, and was vice president of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of King County. He also served on the boards of directors of the Corporate Council for the Arts and Temple de Hirsch Sinai.
He was a member of the downtown Seattle Rotary Club, Tamarisk Country Club and the Central Park Tennis Club.
Goldfarb was a man who loved a good chocolate milkshake, taking in a Seattle Mariners game, the TV show Two and a Half Men and playing poker with the guys.
Above all, though, he loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren.
Goldfarb is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; his three children, Susan Goldfarb Wolfe of Palo Alto, Calif.; Steven (Fredda) Goldfarb of Bellevue; and David Goldfarb of Los Angeles; grandsons Jack and Sam Wolfe; and one brother, Royal (Kris) Goldfarb.
He was preceded in death by his other brother, Michael Goldfarb of Medina.
Services took place Tuesday at Temple de Hirsch Sinai in Seattle and the store was closed that day in his honor.
Memorial contributions may be sent
to the temple, 1511 East Pike St., Seattle, WA, 98115.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
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.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
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.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
