CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.
IndependentsFeb 16, 2018
Ira Kinsler, Former National Jeweler Publisher, Dies at 94
The World War II veteran got into the business of trade publications after working in the garment industry.
Pompano Beach, Florida--Ira Kinsler, who ended his career working as the publisher of National Jeweler, died Feb. 8 at his home in Pompano Beach, Florida. He was 94.
Born July 22, 1923 in New York, Kinsler was the son of Jack W. and Rose Kinsler (née Schechter). He went to public school in Brooklyn, and then joined his father in the garment industry business.
When World War II started, he volunteered for the draft and spent time in both military intelligence and in an Air-Sea Rescue Unit near the Panama Canal.
After the way, much of the garment business moved overseas and Kinsler changed careers, working first as an advertising salesman and, later, as a national sales manager for trade publications.
One of those publications was National Jeweler.
Centurion show founder Howard Hauben, who also was the publisher of National Jeweler at one time, said when he joined the magazine as an editorial trainee in 1977, Kinsler already was “an absolute legend.”
He had helped to make National Jeweler the most successful magazine at Gralla Publications, with two issues a month generating close to 200 ad pages each.
“He was larger than life and a very nice guy, extremely well-liked and a real tour de force,” Hauben said. “It sounds like his life after National Jeweler was wonderful, and I am very happy for having known him.”
Kinsler retired to Florida in the late 1970s/early 1980s--sort of.
Norman Miller, another National Jeweler alumni, said when he joined the staff in 1980, Kinsler was retiring to Florida, “but not really retiring.”
“He was still the king of the trade shows,” Miller recalled. “When I covered the Florida shows he was always there, lending a guiding hand.
“I have very fond memories of he and (his wife) Elaine.”
In addition to being well-liked, Kinsler also was passionate about fairness, treated everyone with respect and dignity, and was generous.
Up until the week of his death, he was making contributions to progressive political candidates who shared his views.
He is survived by two sons, Dr. Philip Kinsler and his wife Margaret of Lyme, New Hampshire, and Dr. Norman Kinsler and his wife Alice of Concord, New Hampshire; four granddaughters, Heather, Sarah and Emily Kinsler, and Rebecca Kinsler-Malloy; three great-grandsons, Ethan
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Kinsler-King and Ryan and Connor Malloy; and a niece to whom he was very close, Natalie Gaines.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Elaine.
Services took place Wednesday at Temple Beth Jacob in Concord, with interment following at Blossom Hill Cemetery, also in Concord.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Beth Jacob, 67 Broadway, Concord, NH, 03301; to the Southern Poverty Law Center; or to the ACLU.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Elaine.
Services took place Wednesday at Temple Beth Jacob in Concord, with interment following at Blossom Hill Cemetery, also in Concord.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Beth Jacob, 67 Broadway, Concord, NH, 03301; to the Southern Poverty Law Center; or to the ACLU.
More on Independents
The Latest
FinancialsFeb 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Growth After Strong Holiday SeasonIn its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.
TrendsFeb 05, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Feeling Fabulous in FebruaryCelebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
MajorsFeb 05, 2025
DCA Promotes Kristen Scheetz to Director of Education, MembershipScheetz has been with the nonprofit since 2007.
Weekly QuizJan 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 04, 2025
New Deal With Botswana Is Done, De Beers Confirms The agreement will allocate an increasing proportion of the country’s rough diamonds to the government of Botswana over the next decade.
Events & AwardsFeb 04, 2025
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Astronomy-Inspired Jewelry to Land at AMNH“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry From the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opens April 11 at the American Museum of Natural History.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SurveysFeb 04, 2025
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Spending Forecast to Hit Record High, Says NRFThose celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Best Jewelry Moments From the 2025 Grammy Awards From Lady Gaga’s 1930s Tiffany & Co. necklace to Taylor Swift’s “T,” Michelle Graff recaps the night’s most memorable jewelry looks.
MajorsFeb 03, 2025
Qurate to Close HSN’s Florida HQ Amid RestructuringLayoffs will reportedly start next month as HSN plans to move into QVC’s location in Pennsylvania.
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Q&A: 5 Jewelry Designers on Shopping the 2025 Tucson Gem ShowsA group of creatives talked to Associate Editor Lauren McLemore about their approach to the annual Tucson gem, mineral, and fossil shows.
AuctionsJan 31, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Bracelet Outshines Estimate at U.K. AuctionThe auction also featured the sale of a Cartier necklace made when Egyptomania was sweeping Great Britain.
CollectionsJan 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Good Luck Charm for 2025The “Blossom Rosette” blooms with love, beauty, and hope for the year ahead.
Events & AwardsJan 31, 2025
Facets of Fire Has a Diamond Challenge for RetailersFor every jeweler who tries their luck, the company will make a donation to Jewelers for Children.
MajorsJan 30, 2025
WJA Chapter Leaders Resign as Fallout From DEI Remarks SnowballsThe boards of at least five chapters have resigned in response to controversial statements the WJA national board president made last month.
Policies & IssuesJan 30, 2025
RJC Executive Director Melanie Grant Is Stepping Down An experienced jewelry writer and curator, Grant led the organization for two years.
CollectionsJan 30, 2025
Pharrell Williams Brings Tahitian Pearls to His New Tiffany & Co. CollectionFive new designs were added, all donning Tahitian cultured pearls and spear-like trident motifs, along with the new “Titan” setting.
Events & AwardsJan 30, 2025
Registration Open for Converge 2025The inaugural event is being co-hosted by the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America.
MajorsJan 30, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Elects 5 New MembersJewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. are among the new members.
CollectionsJan 29, 2025
Boucheron’s High Jewelry Takes the Form of ‘Untamed Nature’The jeweler’s latest high jewelry collection looks into the Boucheron archives to create a “living encyclopedia of high jewelry.”
FinancialsJan 29, 2025
LVMH Watch, Jewelry Sales End the Year DownWatch and jewelry sales slipped 3 percent in 2024, though the luxury conglomerate did see business pick up in the fourth quarter.
MajorsJan 29, 2025
Chanel Names New General Manager of Watches, Fine Jewelry for USOlivier Kessler-Gay will take over the role on March 3.
SurveysJan 29, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips for Second Consecutive Month It hit a four-month low in January due to concerns about the job market, though consumers remain bullish about the stock market.
Events & AwardsJan 29, 2025
Chris Ploof To Teach Mokume Gane at AJSThe jewelry designer and master metalsmith will present on the ancient Japanese metalworking technique at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in March.
SourcingJan 28, 2025
WFDB Joins Efforts to Promote Natural Diamonds With New CampaignThe “Moments” social media campaign emphasizes the emotional ties between natural diamonds and life’s special milestones.
CollectionsJan 28, 2025
Bliss Lau Celebrates the Intricate Mosaic of Identity in New CollectionThe versatile “As We Are” collection features 14 pieces with interlocking designs allowing for 27 different looks worn around the body.
