Hamilton Jewelers Mourns Martin Siegel

RAPAPORT… Martin Siegel, the chairman of Hamilton Jewelers who was
instrumental in growing the US retailer’s brand, died on December 17, the
company announced. He was 86.



Born in New Jersey, Siegel joined his father’s
fine-jewelry business on leaving the army in the 1950s. He became president in
1968, and served as chairman from 1994 until his death. The company now has
stores in Princeton, New Jersey, as well as two Florida locations in Palm Beach
and Palm Beach Gardens.



His initiatives laid the groundwork for later generations
of the Siegel family to continue his vision, according to a company statement.
He was among the first jewelers in the US to order special Rolex watches from
Switzerland with rare gem-set cases, bezels and stone dials for the company’s
Palm Beach clientele. He also discovered and launched many designers before
they were well known and before designer jewelry was fashionable.



“His business philosophy was based around superior
quality, friendly, relationship-based business practices, and community
leadership — a philosophy that enabled the Hamilton brand to grow from a local
store to a nationally recognized industry leader with clients from all 50
states and around the world,” the company said.



Siegel supported local causes and was a passionate sports
player. He is survived by Denise, his wife of 63 years, and his sons Hank,
Jeffrey, Scott, and Peter, as well as seven grandchildren.



Image: Martin Siegel. (Hamilton Jewelers)