AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
MajorsNov 24, 2021
Former JCK Associate Publisher Donna Borrelli Dies
The longtime industry veteran had a breakthrough case of COVID-19.
Former JCK publisher Donna Borrelli, known for her kindness and work ethic among many other things, died Nov. 22. (Image from Donna Borrelli’s Facebook page)
New York—Former JCK publisher Donna Borrelli died Nov. 22 from a breakthrough case of COVID-19.
The longtime industry veteran helped run the publication for 17 years, joining it in 1999 as director of operations and jumping to associate publisher the following year, according to JCKOnline.
She had also taken over project management for InStore Magazine’s Design Awards in recent years, according to an obituary by Editor-in-Chief Trace Shelton, drawing a record 211 entries this year “primarily due to Borrelli’s tireless work on the project.”
“Donna was exactly what we needed for the InStore Design Awards as it moved from infancy into maturity. She was conscientious, thorough, eminently capable, and she always kept a dry sense of humor about the craziness of the project,” Shelton said in a comment to National Jeweler.
“She was a pro in every sense of the word, but she was also patient, kind, and easy to work with. We are all stunned here at InStore. She is already incredibly missed.”
She was known as a “shining light” in the industry and the “glue” of JCK, as well as for her kind heart and warm smile, according to memorial posts on her Facebook page.
Matthijs Braakman, CEO of SmartWork Media, said: “Our hearts are broken from the loss of Donna. Her warmth and spirit have been an integral part of the SmartWork Media team for the past years. She will be missed greatly. We send our thoughts and prayers to her husband and loved ones and share in their grief.”
In 2015, Borrelli was nominated for a Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence in Special Services.
National Jeweler’s National Sales Manager Bobbie Hamburg worked with Borrelli at JCK and said she immediately admired her candor, work ethic, tireless energy, infectious laugh, and concern about improving team projects.
“Donna gave 150 percent to her job, many times working late at night, and deeply cared about the quality of her work. It was always an adventure walking the jewelry trade shows with Donna, since she would inevitably leave her purse at a client’s booth, and we always needed to backtrack and scramble to find and retrieve her bag.”
She loved animals, especially dogs, Hamburg added, noting her love for her shih tzu, Rocco, who sat on her lap everyday while she worked on the computer.
“All the JCK family—past and present—is truly saddened by this news (of her death),” said former JCK publisher Mark Smelzer.
He said Borrelli was the ultimate “inside powerhouse,” crediting much of the magazine’s success to her work ethic, steady hand, and ability to organize the group.
“I personally would never have been able to travel the worldwide jewelry circuit and build the relationships I have today if it wasn’t for Donna keeping the home fires burning,” he said.
“It’s crazy to think about it now, but when I first met Donna, we oversaw a team of 42 employees, producing twelve issues of JCK a year (many over 300 pages) and generating $12 million in revenue! Of course, management always wanted more, and Donna took it all with grace, keeping us grounded along the way. We always found time for big laughs among the stress, and I will cherish those memories. We will miss Donna terribly.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The Latest
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
