Independents

Jewelry Industry Veteran Albert Solomon Dies at 86

IndependentsNov 27, 2017

Jewelry Industry Veteran Albert Solomon Dies at 86

He opened his first store in the 1950s and thereafter dedicated his entire life to jewelry.

20171127_Solomon-header.jpg
Longtime retailer Albert Solomon, pictured here with his wife Beverly, died last week at the age of 86. Solomon opened his first jewelry store in the 1950s. He went on to run the jewelry departments at TSS Seedman’s stores and found the location for what became Solomons Jewelers.

New York--Albert Solomon, a longtime retailer known for his honesty and dedication to the jewelry industry, died last week at the age of 86.

Solomon opened his first jewelry store in the 1950s in the town of Huntington, N.Y. along with his two best friends, a venture that marked the start of a decades-long career in jewelry.

In the early 1960s, the trio started another store called the Long Island Diamond Exchange, located in front of Roosevelt Field mall, which opened in 1956.

“My father ran the business,” said his son, Marc Solomon. “My father really did everything; he did all the hiring and the buying of the jewelry.”

Later, Solomon headed the jewelry departments of Times Square Stores, also known as TSS Seedman’s, a chain of department stores in the New York area that operated until 1989.

In the late 1970s, he helped his then 19-year-old son Marc find the space that would become the family jewelry store, Solomons Jewelers, which now has been in business for 40 years and has two locations, in Plainview and Albertson, New York.

Marc Solomon said his father continued to come into the family-owned and -operated stores a couple times a week, right up until he passed away.

“He was just the most amazing human being,” he said. “His love for the jewelry industry was second to none.”


Albert Solomon (far left) with wife Beverly “Boshie” Solomon and son Marc. Marc said he and his father were the only father-and-son pair elected to two terms each as president of the New York State Jewelers Association.

Albert Solomon also was a certified appraiser and senior charter member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, a former president of the Jewelers of America board of directors and of the New York State Jewelers Association, and completed the diamond course at the GIA.

He was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 1999, alongside Stanley Pollack and Ralph Destino.

Outside of the jewelry industry, he loved cars and traveling, and was among the families who founded the Plainview Jewish Center on Floral Drive in Plainview, New York.

Solomon is survived by his wife of 62 years Beverly “Boshie” Solomon; sons Marc (Deborah) and Robert (Lisa); daughter Stacey (Marc Sachs); and grandchildren Jordan (Sydney), Eric, Ian (Breanne), Jesse, Samantha and Dylan.

Services took place Friday in Woodbury, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, the family
asks that donations be made to the Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, NY 11803.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

1872-x-1052-July-ad (2).png
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Blue Nile President Pamela Cloud
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue Nile

Cloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.

Paulo Garcia
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO

Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Etsy office Dumbo Brooklyn
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of Workforce

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Syna Star Gazer Pendant
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars Pendant

The “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.

An interior shot of the Musee Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, France
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M Heist

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Claire’s new piercing experience
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall collection rings
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income Shoppers

The retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.

Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America Book Cover
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry

“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

Ani Khachian
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-Elect

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

JCPenney storefront
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney Stores

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

Bulgari San Diego Store Exterior
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San Diego

The new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.

Mugshots of four men
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s Home

Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.

André Branch
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American Market

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

Gemlok earrings
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires Gemlok

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Santana Now Unidad Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry Brand

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store Robberies

The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.

Spider-Man Citizen watch and pin on a web
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s Dream

The watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.

Chatham Men’s Collection Campaign Imagery
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s Collection

The new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.

Pomellato Marvelous Griffe earrings
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot

While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.

Edina Kiss Popsicle Pendant and Karina Choudhrie Ice Cream Charm
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet

Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.

Macy’s Herald Square store sign
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn Down

The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%

The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.

Stock image of a polished diamond being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO Says

The goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte in Washington, D.C.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect

David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy