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.
IndependentsNov 25, 2020
Beloved Designer Lecil Henderson Dies Suddenly at 62
He was known for his gregarious nature and always treating everyone like family.
Lecil Henderson, who launched his eponymous jewelry business in 1990, died Sunday night. He is seen here at the 2020 Select Show in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo credit: David Stewart Brown Photography)
Charlotte, N.C.—Lecil Henderson, founder of The Henderson Collection by Lecil, died of a heart attack Sunday night.
He was 62.
While he was in high school and college, Henderson studied under his father, who was an account executive for an Italian jewelry design firm.
After he graduated, Henderson joined the company full time and, eventually, created an Italian import division.
Not long after, he traveled to Europe to learn from master artisans and expand his skill set, during which time he immersed himself in every aspect of the industry while also developing a business plan for his own company.
Henderson launched his eponymous fine jewelry collection in 1990, offering designs that combine traditional craftsmanship and modern components.
The “Venetian” collection in particular has been very successful for the company, according to its website, offering diamonds and colored stones in satin, polished or matte gold and adorned with 18-karat yellow, black, white or rose gold, with the black gold especially popular with customers.
According to a statement posted by his company on social media, Henderson loved the jewelry industry and the friends he made within it as well as making clients happy with his jewelry designs.
The company called him a “true road warrior” and a generous man who treated everyone like family.
It was this kindness that many in the industry also remembered about him in the many posts shared on social media, with several calling him a true gentleman and recalling his warmth in
He was also known for his gregarious nature and being quick to laugh or make others laugh.
“He will not only be an immense loss to our office/family, but also to our industry and his many friends across the nation. A ‘bigger-than-life’ personality that we all loved so much,” the company said.
“We will miss you Lecil, but we’ll be sure to indulge in a few red-top martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives in your honor.”
Henderson was a proud father of three and husband to Kathryn; the two would have celebrated their 40th anniversary in June. He coached soccer and little league teams, and encouraged his kids to enjoy traveling and the outdoors, and had a love of golf, skiing, tennis, camping, hiking and whitewater rafting.
He also was active in his community, serving as president of Leadership Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission and Charlotte Trolley Inc. He volunteered
at the Room at the Inn shelter and with the Wake Forest Alumni Association.
In the industry, he was also a co-founder and board member of JCK’s Luxury show.
His jewelry company was a member of many professional organizations, including the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, the Jewelers 24K Club of Southern California, Jewelers Board of Trade and the state jewelers’ associations in California, New York, North Carolina and Oklahoma.
The company also regularly contributed to Jewelers for Children and was one of the first American Gem Society registered suppliers.
A private service will be held for immedate family, but his wife, Kathryn, said they plan to hold a service to celebrate his life when it safe to do so.
They are also asking anyone who wishes to make a donation in his name to consider A Child’s Place, an organization that works to reduce the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication with service information.
In the industry, he was also a co-founder and board member of JCK’s Luxury show.
His jewelry company was a member of many professional organizations, including the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, the Jewelers 24K Club of Southern California, Jewelers Board of Trade and the state jewelers’ associations in California, New York, North Carolina and Oklahoma.
The company also regularly contributed to Jewelers for Children and was one of the first American Gem Society registered suppliers.
A private service will be held for immedate family, but his wife, Kathryn, said they plan to hold a service to celebrate his life when it safe to do so.
They are also asking anyone who wishes to make a donation in his name to consider A Child’s Place, an organization that works to reduce the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication with service information.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
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.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
