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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
