Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
IndependentsJun 06, 2019
Longtime Retailer Frank Bromberg Jr. Dies at 87
The fifth generation to join the family business, Bromberg was known for being outgoing, compassionate and putting others first.
Frank H. Bromberg Jr., the fifth generation to join the Bromberg family business, died June 4 at the age of 87. He was described as a philanthropic, compassionate, dependable and honest man who improved the lives of many through his friendship.
Jacksonville, Fla.—Frank H. Bromberg Jr., a fifth-generation jeweler, died June 4 in Cashiers, North Carolina.
He was 87 years old.
Bromberg was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1931 to Frank Hardy Bromberg Sr. and Annie Maude Wilkinson Bromberg.
He received his bachelor’s degree from the College of Business at the University of Alabama, where he graduated summa cum laude, and went on to get his master’s in retailing from New York University.
Bromberg served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force after graduation, spending two years as a base exchange officer at Dreux Air Force Base in France.
After the military, he joined the family jewelry business—Bromberg & Co., founded in 1836—as the fifth generation of family management, eventually becoming its president and chairman of the board.
In 1974, Herb Underwood sold his multi-store business, Underwood Jewelers, to the Bromberg family, adding to the company’s lineup of locations.
Today, the family runs jewelry stores in Alabama and Florida, with sons Frederick “Ricky” Wilkinson Bromberg serving as president of Bromberg & Co. and Clayton Bromberg as president of Underwood Jewelers.
Frank Bromberg met his wife, Lella Clayton Bromberg, in high school, and the two were married for almost 65 years.
He held a number of leadership positions throughout his life, including past president of Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society, the latter of which awarded Bromberg with its prestigious Robert M. Shipley Award.
He also served as a member of the board of trustees of the University of Alabama, past president of the Crippled Children’s Foundation, past senior warden and past treasurer of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
Outside of work, Bromberg enjoyed playing golf and tennis, and watching Alabama football and basketball. He also loved spending time at the family mountain house in Cashiers.
The Brombergs said their patriarch was “an exceptional person because he had a servant’s heart,” always putting others before himself.
Bromberg was well-liked among his peers, and he remained humble throughout his life, his family said, devoting his time to family, faith, the jewelry business and the University of Alabama.
He is survived by his wife, Lella, and four children—Frank Hardy Bromberg III; C. Clayton Bromberg (Christy); Ricky Bromberg (Nancy); and Lella Bromberg Wilbanks (Bruce)—as well as seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by grandchildren Virginia McMillian
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Bromberg, Elizabeth Bromberg Wilbanks and Zoë Proferis Bromberg.
Bromberg’s memorial service is scheduled to take place Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, with visitation immediately following the service.
Memorials in his honor may be directed to: The Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 6th Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203; The Crippled Children’s Foundation, 2019 4th Ave. North, Ste. 101, Birmingham, AL 35203; and The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business Department of Marketing, The University of Alabama, Box 870101, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
Bromberg’s memorial service is scheduled to take place Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, with visitation immediately following the service.
Memorials in his honor may be directed to: The Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 6th Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203; The Crippled Children’s Foundation, 2019 4th Ave. North, Ste. 101, Birmingham, AL 35203; and The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business Department of Marketing, The University of Alabama, Box 870101, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
