Beverly Hills jeweler Irving Zimmelman passed away on Sept. 23, 2002, after a long struggle with complications related to a stroke.

He entered the jewelry business after serving in World War II, working his way up from “vest-pocket dealer” to the owner of Terrell & Zimmelman, one of the premier manufacturers on the West Coast. After moving to Beverly Hills, he began focusing mainly on antique and estate jewelry. According to friends in the industry, Zimmelman is credited with helping a number of “newcomers” enter the jewelry business and was always willing to “take a chance” on a novice in the field.

Zimmelman is survived by his wife, Sheila, and two sons, Mark and Paul.