IndependentsAug 04, 2021
JA Welcomes New Board Chair, Elects 5 New DirectorsPolicies & IssuesAug 23, 2021
Gem Legacy Adds Melissa Quick to Board of Directors
The president of Chicago’s Steve Quick Jewelers has traveled to the sites in Africa where the nonprofit works.
Gem Legacy has appointed Melissa Quick, president of Steve Quick Jewelers in Chicago, to its board of directors.
Royal Oak, Mich.—Industry nonprofit Gem Legacy has appointed Melissa Quick, president of Steve Quick Jewelers in Chicago, to its board.
Quick traveled to East Africa with Gem Legacy in 2018, visiting gem mines and meeting the miners.
As the retailer saw the impact the industry could have on these communities firsthand, she stepped up her support of the nonprofit and started targeting specific projects with her store’s fundraising efforts.
Steve Quick Jeweler started by contributing scholarship funds for students at the Gemology and Gem Faceting School in Arusha, Tanzania.
“Training Africans to cut gems closer to the source helps distribute the profits of the supply chain more equitably and allows African artisanal miners to reinvest in their communities,” Quick said.
Since the pandemic started, the jeweler also has contributed to Gem Legacy’s initiative to supply food and safety supplies like masks, water, and soap to mining communities as well as funds for breakfasts and lunches to the Kitarini Primary School in northern Tanzania, where Gem Legacy helps provide for 800 children of ruby miners.
“I am ‘all in’ on Gem Legacy, and its vital initiatives, and I’m thrilled to accept this board position. Jewelry is a notoriously difficult product category for those of us interested in responsible sourcing,” Quick said.
“Our customers are asking questions, and Gem Legacy helps us tell an important story about how the jewelry industry is contributing to positive change. I look forward to making meaningful contributions to the organization and furthering its mission to empower those at the beginning of the supply chain.”
Quick, along with her husband and business partner Steve, is also a member of the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America, and Women’s Jewelry Association.
The Quicks also support industry initiatives like Mercury Free Mining and the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference.
She joins Craig Danforth, Peggy Jo Donahue, Ben Smithee, and Monica Stephenson on the board.
Gem Legacy, dedicated to education, vocational training, and local economies in small, artisanal gemstone mining communities in Africa, launched in 2018.
Related stories will be right here …
Quick traveled to East Africa with Gem Legacy in 2018, visiting gem mines and meeting the miners.
As the retailer saw the impact the industry could have on these communities firsthand, she stepped up her support of the nonprofit and started targeting specific projects with her store’s fundraising efforts.
Steve Quick Jeweler started by contributing scholarship funds for students at the Gemology and Gem Faceting School in Arusha, Tanzania.
“Training Africans to cut gems closer to the source helps distribute the profits of the supply chain more equitably and allows African artisanal miners to reinvest in their communities,” Quick said.
Since the pandemic started, the jeweler also has contributed to Gem Legacy’s initiative to supply food and safety supplies like masks, water, and soap to mining communities as well as funds for breakfasts and lunches to the Kitarini Primary School in northern Tanzania, where Gem Legacy helps provide for 800 children of ruby miners.
“I am ‘all in’ on Gem Legacy, and its vital initiatives, and I’m thrilled to accept this board position. Jewelry is a notoriously difficult product category for those of us interested in responsible sourcing,” Quick said.
“Our customers are asking questions, and Gem Legacy helps us tell an important story about how the jewelry industry is contributing to positive change. I look forward to making meaningful contributions to the organization and furthering its mission to empower those at the beginning of the supply chain.”
Quick, along with her husband and business partner Steve, is also a member of the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America, and Women’s Jewelry Association.
The Quicks also support industry initiatives like Mercury Free Mining and the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference.
She joins Craig Danforth, Peggy Jo Donahue, Ben Smithee, and Monica Stephenson on the board.
Gem Legacy, dedicated to education, vocational training, and local economies in small, artisanal gemstone mining communities in Africa, launched in 2018.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for AuctionThe platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored GemstonesGet a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
