EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in CarlsbadAt Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
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
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop ShootoutSix people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule CollectionThe jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation ProgramBen Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.
Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy AwardsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says DeloitteIt’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald AuctionIt included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, MontanaAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite EarringsFordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley AwardGilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-ShopLocated in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for ThatThe new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to AccountAs the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. HeadphonesJacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New YorkThe industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersThe nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaThe two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron JewelsThe single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
