FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
IndependentsJul 30, 2020
Bob McIntire, a Respected and Kind Executive, Dies at 52
Known for his professionalism and his sense of humor, McIntire spent 20 years running fine jewelry departments for Finlay before moving on to Asurion.
Robert “Bob” Dee McIntire spent two decades managing the fine jewelry sections of department stores for Finlay Fine Jewelry and is remembered for possessing that “rare balance of professionalism, humility and commitment.”
Dallas—Robert Dee McIntire, a longtime executive with Finlay Fine Jewelry known for both his professionalism and his sense of humor, died suddenly July 25 after going into cardiac arrest.
He was 52 years old.
Born Sept. 25, 1967 in Las Vegas, McIntire, who was known as Bob, grew up in Leonard, Texas with his sister, Stacey McIntire.
He graduated from Leonard High School in 1986 and went on to study business at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.
His widow, Michele McIntire, said Bob got his first job in the jewelry industry while still in college, working as a part-time sales associate in the fine jewelry department at Sanger-Harris (later Foley’s), which at that time was run by Finlay Fine Jewelry.
Michele and Bob married in 1990, and he stayed on with Finlay for the next two decades, managing fine jewelry departments at Foley’s and, later, Dillard’s stores, rising through the ranks to become director of stores for Finlay.
Michele said it wasn’t Bob’s lifelong dream to work in the jewelry industry but, “he just kind of fell in love with it.”
The McIntire family has an affinity for awards shows—the Oscars, Emmys, etc.—and she recalled how her husband would take copious notes of the jewelry the actresses wore on the red carpet because he knew the jewelry would be trending.
Bob stayed with Finlay Fine Jewelry all the way to the end—the company filed bankruptcy in August 2009 and shuttered for good the following year—then spent less than a year with Bailey Banks & Biddle before joining Asurion as senior business manager at the end of 2009.
In a statement emailed to National Jeweler, Rob DiRocco, Asurion’s senior vice president of client services and sales, remembered Bob’s “rare balance of professionalism, humility and commitment.”
“I am so grateful that I had the privilege to know him and work with him over the past 10 years,” DiRocco said. “Bob will be greatly missed by the many people he worked with at Asurion and our partners.”
Throughout his career, Bob remained active with Jewelers for Children. He served on the charity’s board for the past three years.
JFC Executive Director David Rocha called Bob “a true gem of a human being who always had a smile on his face.”
“He was extremely passionate about his involvement and never content to just be part of the group; he wanted to make sure
that he made a difference and was always one of the first to step up when help was needed,” Rocha said.
Outside of the jewelry industry, Bob loved cooking, and traveling to food and wine festivals.
Michele said their middle son, Tanner, also got his dad into indoor rock climbing, and Bob became a part of the little community of climbers who frequent the rock-climbing gyms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
But what she would most like people to remember about her husband of 30 years is his sense of humor and his infectious laugh.
She recalled a story relayed to her by one of Bob’s former employees.
One day at work, he came by to check on her showcases and spotted a ring she had accidentally put back in the necklace section. Without a word, he leaned over and returned the ring to its rightful place, all the while humming the “Sesame Street” teaching classic, “One of These Things (Is Not Like the Other).”
“He treated everything with humor,” Michele said. “With our own kids, he would constantly tease them and hide things from them and play games with them. Their whole lives, their dad was the fun one.”
Bob is survived by his wife, Michelle; sons Greyland, Tanner and Jaxon; sister Stacey; nephews Kolten and Brandon (Misty) Hall; multiple aunts, uncles and cousins; two silver Labrador retrievers, Zeus and Ashe; and numerous dear friends and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jim McIntire, and his chocolate lab, Shiner.
A celebration of Bob’s life will take place at 2 p.m. today (July 30) at Abundant Life Church in Grapevine, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jewelers for Children.
Outside of the jewelry industry, Bob loved cooking, and traveling to food and wine festivals.
Michele said their middle son, Tanner, also got his dad into indoor rock climbing, and Bob became a part of the little community of climbers who frequent the rock-climbing gyms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
But what she would most like people to remember about her husband of 30 years is his sense of humor and his infectious laugh.
She recalled a story relayed to her by one of Bob’s former employees.
One day at work, he came by to check on her showcases and spotted a ring she had accidentally put back in the necklace section. Without a word, he leaned over and returned the ring to its rightful place, all the while humming the “Sesame Street” teaching classic, “One of These Things (Is Not Like the Other).”
“He treated everything with humor,” Michele said. “With our own kids, he would constantly tease them and hide things from them and play games with them. Their whole lives, their dad was the fun one.”
Bob is survived by his wife, Michelle; sons Greyland, Tanner and Jaxon; sister Stacey; nephews Kolten and Brandon (Misty) Hall; multiple aunts, uncles and cousins; two silver Labrador retrievers, Zeus and Ashe; and numerous dear friends and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jim McIntire, and his chocolate lab, Shiner.
A celebration of Bob’s life will take place at 2 p.m. today (July 30) at Abundant Life Church in Grapevine, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jewelers for Children.
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
