CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
IndependentsSep 30, 2019
Imperial Pearl’s Banice Bazar Dies at 90
He started his career in the jewelry industry in 1953 after earning a Bronze Star in the Korean War.
Banice Carl Bazar was a Korean War vet, father of four, and chairman of the board for Imperial Pearl Company. He died on Sept. 20 at the age of 90.
Providence, R.I.—Banice Carl Bazar, who started his career in the jewelry industry in 1953 after earning a Bronze Star in the Korean War, died Sept. 20.
He was 90.
Born Feb. 13, 1929, 20 minutes after twin sister Doris (“Dottie”), Bazar was one of six children of Samuel and Jenny (Bloom) Bazar. Samuel was in the jewelry business; he owned a rhinestone jewelry manufacturing company called AS Manufacturing.
Banice Bazar went to the University of Rhode Island after high school, making his way through college by working as a waiter and entering the university’s ROTC program.
After he graduated as a chemist in 1951, Bazar went off to fight in the Korean War as a U.S. Army lieutenant commanding a unit in the 388th Chemical Smoke Generator Company (the unit laid down smoke screens to protect the infantry.)
There, he earned a Bronze Star Medal by driving a Jeep across the smoke-screen line to rescue several soldiers trapped on the wrong side.
When Bazar returned to the United States, he started a business as a representative for jewelry manufacturers, hopping onto U.S. Navy ships in port in Newport, Rhode Island and Boston to sell lines like Bulova, Giovanni Jewelry Company, Imperial Pearl Syndicate and Deltah Pearl Company into their on-board exchange stores.
In the 1970s, with the pearl business in the midst of a downturn, he had the opportunity to buy Imperial and Deltah and so he did, combining them to form one big company.
Imperial-Deltah grew over the years, with three of Bazar’s grandsons coming on board.
In an interview on the history of Imperial Pearl posted online, Bazar talked about his fondness for the gemstones and their “subdued” beauty, and what he believes has kept his company in business all these years—making everyone feel valued.
“Treat your customers like family, treat your employees like family, and you’ll come out like I did, and I’m very proud of that fact,” he said.
Bazar was a member of the Providence Jewelers Club, 24 Karat Club and Cultured Pearl Association of America, and was a founding member of Prime Jewelry Group and past president and member of the Plumb Club.
Outside of work, he and his wife Beverly Bazar owned an inn in the ski resort town of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. He was known as a gregarious host in the inn’s lounge, the last to leave at night and the first
on the slopes in the morning.
He loved spending time with his family and all sports, particularly men’s basketball at the University of Rhode Island.
Bazar is survived by his children and their spouses, Peter and Charlotte Bazar, David and Susan Bazar, Karen and Alan Bergel, and Ann Bazar; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his wife of 66 years, Beverly; one son, Joseph; and a granddaughter, Dayna Bazar.
Funeral services for Bazar were held Sept. 24 at Temple Beth-El in Providence. Burial was in Swan Point Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the URI to support the men’s basketball team, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston RI, 02881.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to correct Banice Bazar’s birth year (1929, not 1926) and he number of children he had (four, not five). In addition, the name of Bazar’s sister was listed incorrectly in the obituary submitted for him. It is Doris, not Dorothy.
He loved spending time with his family and all sports, particularly men’s basketball at the University of Rhode Island.
Bazar is survived by his children and their spouses, Peter and Charlotte Bazar, David and Susan Bazar, Karen and Alan Bergel, and Ann Bazar; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his wife of 66 years, Beverly; one son, Joseph; and a granddaughter, Dayna Bazar.
Funeral services for Bazar were held Sept. 24 at Temple Beth-El in Providence. Burial was in Swan Point Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the URI to support the men’s basketball team, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston RI, 02881.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to correct Banice Bazar’s birth year (1929, not 1926) and he number of children he had (four, not five). In addition, the name of Bazar’s sister was listed incorrectly in the obituary submitted for him. It is Doris, not Dorothy.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
