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.
WatchesMay 23, 2022
Steven Kaiser, Watch Industry Veteran and Beloved Mentor, Dies at 68
Kaiser, whose illustrious career spanned decades, died suddenly on Friday.
Steven Kaiser, who spent decades working in the watch industry, most recently taking over U.S. operations for Australian company Kennedy Luxury Group, died unexpectedly on Friday, May 20.
New York—Steven Kaiser, a watch industry veteran who mentored countless individuals along the way, died suddenly on Friday.
He was 68.
Kaiser’s career spanned decades, and his commitment to the industry was seemingly inexhaustible.
He worked with Baume & Mercier for more than 16 years, serving as both president and CEO during the course of his tenure.
In 2000, he sold his interest in Benedom Inc., a subsidiary of LVMH, to the luxury conglomerate and launched his own company, Kaiser Time Inc.
Kaiser Time did consulting, business development, executive recruiting, and mergers and acquisitions, all drawing upon its namesake’s experience in the Swiss watch market.
Kaiser Time partnered with dozens of companies over the years, becoming the go-to organization for any business that wanted to ingratiate itself into the luxury watch market.
In 2005, with the aid of his longtime associate and “veritable right hand” Diane James, Kaiser launch a new trade show, Swiss Watch by JCK, creating a platform for Swiss timepiece brands to enter the U.S. market.
After a decade, the two joined the Couture show as consultants, helping it grow its luxury watch exhibitor list.
In 2020, Kaiser and James made another career move, joining Kennedy Luxury Group, an Australian jewelry and watch retailer with 14 stores. Kaiser became the company’s U.S. president and CEO.
He also gave his time to numerous organizations, serving on the boards of Jewelers for Children, Jewelry Information Center (now part of Jewelers of America), Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Jewelers’ Security Alliance, where he had been serving as chair since 2019.
In 2007, he received the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Ben Kaiser Award—an accolade named after his father—and just this past March, the JVC awarded him its Stanley Schechter Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to being a knowledgeable professional as well as friend and mentor to many in the industry, Kaiser was a devoted husband and father.
He was married to his wife, Vivian, for 39 years, and together they had two children, Jeff and Emily. He was also the proud father of a pet tortoise, Mikey.
Kaiser was an avid New York Giants fan. When he couldn’t attend games in person, he watched them at Blondie’s on the Upper West Side. A regular at the popular sports bar, Kaiser had his own stool.
Services are scheduled to take place this Wednesday, May 25, at 11 a.m. at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 W. 76th St. in New York City. Burial will take place at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla, New York at 1:30 p.m.
Shiva will be held Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3-7 p.m. at 545 West End Avenue, Apartment 12A, New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Kaiser’s name to an organization near and dear to his heart—Jewelers for Children.
He was 68.
Kaiser’s career spanned decades, and his commitment to the industry was seemingly inexhaustible.
He worked with Baume & Mercier for more than 16 years, serving as both president and CEO during the course of his tenure.
In 2000, he sold his interest in Benedom Inc., a subsidiary of LVMH, to the luxury conglomerate and launched his own company, Kaiser Time Inc.
Kaiser Time did consulting, business development, executive recruiting, and mergers and acquisitions, all drawing upon its namesake’s experience in the Swiss watch market.
Kaiser Time partnered with dozens of companies over the years, becoming the go-to organization for any business that wanted to ingratiate itself into the luxury watch market.
In 2005, with the aid of his longtime associate and “veritable right hand” Diane James, Kaiser launch a new trade show, Swiss Watch by JCK, creating a platform for Swiss timepiece brands to enter the U.S. market.
After a decade, the two joined the Couture show as consultants, helping it grow its luxury watch exhibitor list.
In 2020, Kaiser and James made another career move, joining Kennedy Luxury Group, an Australian jewelry and watch retailer with 14 stores. Kaiser became the company’s U.S. president and CEO.
He also gave his time to numerous organizations, serving on the boards of Jewelers for Children, Jewelry Information Center (now part of Jewelers of America), Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Jewelers’ Security Alliance, where he had been serving as chair since 2019.
In 2007, he received the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Ben Kaiser Award—an accolade named after his father—and just this past March, the JVC awarded him its Stanley Schechter Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to being a knowledgeable professional as well as friend and mentor to many in the industry, Kaiser was a devoted husband and father.
He was married to his wife, Vivian, for 39 years, and together they had two children, Jeff and Emily. He was also the proud father of a pet tortoise, Mikey.
Kaiser was an avid New York Giants fan. When he couldn’t attend games in person, he watched them at Blondie’s on the Upper West Side. A regular at the popular sports bar, Kaiser had his own stool.
Services are scheduled to take place this Wednesday, May 25, at 11 a.m. at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 W. 76th St. in New York City. Burial will take place at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla, New York at 1:30 p.m.
Shiva will be held Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3-7 p.m. at 545 West End Avenue, Apartment 12A, New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Kaiser’s name to an organization near and dear to his heart—Jewelers for Children.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
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.
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.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farms’ Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
