MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B DealMembers of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
IndependentsAug 11, 2016
After designer’s death, Scott Kay Inc. to carry on
Scott Kay Inc. will reopen today after the unexpected death of the brand’s namesake designer last week, a man who is remembered as a pioneer in the jewelry industry.
Celebrated jewelry designer and innovator Scott Kay died of a heart attack Thursday at the age of 57.
New York--Scott Kay Inc. will reopen today after the unexpected death of the brand’s namesake designer last week, with the Kay family saying that the company will “forge on,” as Kay would have wanted.
Kay, one of the industry’s most celebrated and well-known designers, died of a heart attack in New York on Thursday. He was 57.
A giant physically as well as metaphorically in the world of jewelry, Kay’s eponymous company was celebrating its 30th year in business this year.
In an interview with National Jeweler this summer, the Brooklyn-bred jewelry-maker discussed how his recent suite of C-level hires would allow him to do what he really loved--create--and he named another well-known designer as his mentor: Henry Dunay.
On Monday, Dunay said he was going to “really going to miss” Kay.
He said he noticed early on that Kay was young and eager and had the talent to make it.
Dunay was right.
“He had a definite vision, and that helped his business become strong over the years because he followed it. That’s the key to having a good brand, and I didn’t see that change at all over the years,” Dunay said, adding that Kay was always one to “keep at it” and work hard to do whatever needed to be done for his business.
“I am really going to miss him. I think the industry has lost someone who is really passionate and strong.”
Among Kay’s many accomplishments was his work with both platinum and alternative metals.
The designer is credited with helping to resurrect platinum in the United States. He supported, and received support from, Platinum Guild International throughout his career, receiving the organization’s highest honor two years in a row.
PGI-USA Senior Vice President Jenny Luker call Kay a “true pioneer” in the industry. “He lived his life to the fullest, with passion and purpose. He was endeared by everyone at PGI, and he will truly be missed,” she said.
Kay also was the worldwide spokesperson for palladium and brought the alternative metal cobalt to the bridal industry. He retains the largest distribution of this contemporary metal in the designer category, according to the company.
He also is credited by Condé Nast’s Brides magazine for creating the first bridal jewelry advertisement more than 25 years ago.
Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, which just opened its second location in Omaha, Neb. this
year, is among the retailers that stocks Kay’s men’s wedding bands crafted in alternative metals.
On behalf of the retailer, CEO Karen Goracke said: “We are very saddened to hear of the news of the passing of Scott Kay. Scott was a devoted father and husband as well as true artist. He was an inspiration and leader in our industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and members of the Scott Kay team.”
After closing Friday, Kay’s Teaneck. N.J.-based company reopened Monday, with a message from Kay’s family posted on the company’s website, as well as on the company’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
In the statement (the full text of which is available above), his family said that while they were heartbroken by the loss, they would “forge on with passion, zest, a sense of humor and the stubbornness to ensure we ‘never compromise,’” which was Kay’s personal and professional motto.
Scott Kay Inc. made a number of key executive hires throughout 2014, adding a director of sales, chief merchandising officer and chief supply chain officer, all of which were new positions for the company.
These followed Kay’s decision to hire the first CEO in his company’s history in August 2013, former David Yurman executive David Minster.
Kay said during the earlier interview with National Jeweler that when Minster came on board last year one of his observations was that, “there’s so much runway here”--meaning that Kay didn’t lack for designs. “If I didn’t do another piece for 10 years, we’d have plenty of product to work with,” the designer said.
He also said in that same interview that the hire of Minster as well as the other executives “set him free” to do what he loved best: design, dream and create art.
“I really have just been in the business of trying to make beautiful things,” he said.
Kay is survived by his wife, Regina; his two daughters, Tiffany and Jordan; and his son, Troy.
Services took place at the Nanuet Hebrew Center in New City, N.Y. on Sunday. His family is asking that anyone wishing to commemorate his life do so with a donation to Jewelers for Children.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff contributed to this report.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las VegasThe brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald MiningThe move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
