Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
MajorsAug 04, 2021
Industry Icon and Longtime Buyer Margie Bucki Dies
The former Sterling and Zales employee was known for being firm but fair, a great teacher to her employees, and full of love.
Margie Bucki died July 22 at the age of 76.
Peoria, Ill.—Industry veteran Margie Miller Bucki, an icon who worked at Citizen Jewelers and Sterling Jewelers, died July 22 after a long battle with cancer.
She was 76 years old.
Born June 4, 1945, in Front Royal, Virginia, Bucki started her decades-long buying career at Citizen Jewelers in Atlanta before working as a senior buyer at retail chain Service Merchandise, then working as a director at Sterling Jewelers for 13 years, and finally moving to Zales in 2002 until she retired in 2007.
She was also one of the first women to serve as a director in the industry.
Bucki was known for being strong, firm but fair, a consummate professional, and a great teacher to her employees.
“Everything Margie was to her family as a mother, she was to all of us who worked with/for her. So many valuable lessons learned from her,” one previous coworker said on a Facebook post.
Bucki battled cancer in five different forms over 25 years, according to her daughter, Luci McKenzie Parmelee.
Her friends and family will remember her as someone who always shared her wisdom and funny stories, and who had a generous, kind spirit and warm smile for everyone.
“Her life was full of love, and if you were lucky to be part of her world you knew she loved you too,” her daughter wrote on a Facebook tribute.
Bucki is survived by her daughter, son Jack McKenzie, and grandchildren Abby and Mac Parmelee.
For those who may want to make a donation in her name, the family suggested the following: Friendship House (contact Marcellus Sommerville at 309-989-7114); Build A Classroom, attn: Mrs. Danages’ class (contact Marcia Lough at 309-672-6525); Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation (contact Katie Parker Cox at 309-691-6906); or Best Buddies at Richwoods High School (contact Beth Funcannon at 309-693-4400).
She was 76 years old.
Born June 4, 1945, in Front Royal, Virginia, Bucki started her decades-long buying career at Citizen Jewelers in Atlanta before working as a senior buyer at retail chain Service Merchandise, then working as a director at Sterling Jewelers for 13 years, and finally moving to Zales in 2002 until she retired in 2007.
She was also one of the first women to serve as a director in the industry.
Bucki was known for being strong, firm but fair, a consummate professional, and a great teacher to her employees.
“Everything Margie was to her family as a mother, she was to all of us who worked with/for her. So many valuable lessons learned from her,” one previous coworker said on a Facebook post.
Bucki battled cancer in five different forms over 25 years, according to her daughter, Luci McKenzie Parmelee.
Her friends and family will remember her as someone who always shared her wisdom and funny stories, and who had a generous, kind spirit and warm smile for everyone.
“Her life was full of love, and if you were lucky to be part of her world you knew she loved you too,” her daughter wrote on a Facebook tribute.
Bucki is survived by her daughter, son Jack McKenzie, and grandchildren Abby and Mac Parmelee.
For those who may want to make a donation in her name, the family suggested the following: Friendship House (contact Marcellus Sommerville at 309-989-7114); Build A Classroom, attn: Mrs. Danages’ class (contact Marcia Lough at 309-672-6525); Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation (contact Katie Parker Cox at 309-691-6906); or Best Buddies at Richwoods High School (contact Beth Funcannon at 309-693-4400).
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
