YOSHIMASA ISHIHARA / 1915-2002

Retired jeweler believed
in constant learning

Insurer John P. Mullen
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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

To Yoshimasa Ishihara, life was for learning, and the jeweler kept abreast of the latest in gemological technology.

"He wasn't afraid to try new things," said Ishihara's son, Isaac.

Yoshimasa Ishihara, retired owner of Hallmark Jewelers, died Sept. 14 at Kuakini Medical Center. He was 86.

Ishihara was born on Sept. 29, 1915, in Koloa, Kauai. In 1927 the Ishihara family moved to Honolulu, where he attended McKinley High School. Ishihara received a bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics from the University of Hawaii-Manoa and was accepted to the university's medical school. However, he declined to attend medical school so he could help his father, Gihei, run the family jewelry business on Aala Street.

Ishihara was often described as "kaizen," a Japanese word for lifelong learning, said Isaac, who helped his father run the family jewelry business for the last 30 years.

Throughout the years, Ishihara was a consummate learner delving into trade magazines and conventions to keep up with the changes in the jewelry industry. He graduated from the Gemological Institute of America and became a certified gemologist appraiser of the American Gem Society.

Moreover, he was one of the founding members of the Hawaii Jewelers Association and was selected twice as the association's president.

At age 84, Ishihara continued to attend classes and seminars on the mainland to learn more about gem practices.

He was trusted in the industry and devoted to his business, Isaac said.

Within the last 65 years, the family jewelry business moved between downtown and Waikiki under store names G. Ishihara, G. Ishihara and Son, Goldmaster, National Jewelers and Hallmark Jewelers, which remains at Ala Moana Center -- one of the center's original stores since it opened in 1966.

Ishihara is survived by wife Rosaline; sons John, Robert and Isaac; daughters Joan Nakamoto and Susan Ishihara; and four grandchildren.

A private service was held.

Donations in Yoshimasa Ishihara's name can be made to the American Gem Society, c/o Peggy Campbell, 8881 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89117.