Jerry Hale, a longtime employee of Rogers Jewelers in Modesto, Calif., died Dec. 27, 2003. He was 59.

Born in Sonoma, Calif., Hale began his career in the jewelry industry in 1965 in the credit department of Rogers Jewelry Company and quickly worked his way up to credit manager of the company’s Bakersfield, Calif., store. Hale was promoted to head buyer and ultimately corporate officer at Rogers’s central office in Modesto.

Hale fed his passion for the industry by furthering his education through GIA courses. Many reps considered Hale to be tough but fair, and always looking out for the company’s best interest. After 30 years with Rogers, Hale moved to Las Vegas.

He is survived by his wife, Katie, manager of Diamond Grading at AGS Laboratories; and daughters Laura Bennett of Ripon, Calif., Lynette Parker of Reno, Nev., and Lisa Hale of Modesto, Calif.