SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
MajorsJul 08, 2022
Longtime Industry Advocate Lynn Ramsey Dies at 77
In a career that spanned decades, Ramsey promoted jewelry via the Diamond Information Center and the Jewelry Information Center.
Lynn Ramsey, former president and CEO of the Jewelry Information Center, pictured at the 2009 Gem Awards in New York City. Ramsey died late last month at the age of 77.
Naples, Florida—Lynn Ramsey, who dedicated her career to promoting jewelry and once headed the Jewelry Information Center, died June 30 in Naples, Florida.
She was 77.
Ramsey graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in German.
She first started working in magazine publishing before embarking on what would become a long career in the jewelry industry promoting jewelry and watches.
Beginning in 1986, Ramsey worked as a manager, and then vice president, of the Diamond Information Center, De Beers’ U.S. public relations arm.
At DIC, she managed a team of 10 public relations professionals and served as a spokesperson for the U.S. diamond industry.
In 1995, Ramsey became president and CEO of the Jewelry Information Center.
Formed in 1946 during the post-World War II economic boom, JIC worked to promote fine jewelry to consumers by, for example, pitching stories about jewelry trends to media outlets or booking educational segments about diamonds on shows like NBC’s “Today” and “The Tonight Show.”
(JIC merged with Jewelers of America in 2009 and continues that same work today as part of JA.)
The spring 1996 edition of “Link,” the JIC’s publication, includes a picture of Ramsey with former “Today” show hosts Bryant Gumbel and Jane Pauley, while another photo from JIC’s archives shows her at CNN in 1997 (see below).
She headed JIC for five years before launching her own public relations agency in 2000, focusing on—of course—PR consulting in the fine jewelry industry.
Ramsey was also an active member of the Women’s Jewelry Association member, serving as a national and New York Metro Chapter board member for many years.
In 1993, she won the WJA Award for Excellence in marketing.
“Lynn paved the way for many women in our industry and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come,” WJA said in a statement on Ramsey’s passing.
Ramsey is survived by two brothers, Ted and John; one sister, Kay; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She will be laid to rest alongside her parents in Pennsylvania, and a memorial service will take place in New York in the future.
She was 77.
Ramsey graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in German.
She first started working in magazine publishing before embarking on what would become a long career in the jewelry industry promoting jewelry and watches.
Beginning in 1986, Ramsey worked as a manager, and then vice president, of the Diamond Information Center, De Beers’ U.S. public relations arm.
At DIC, she managed a team of 10 public relations professionals and served as a spokesperson for the U.S. diamond industry.
In 1995, Ramsey became president and CEO of the Jewelry Information Center.
Formed in 1946 during the post-World War II economic boom, JIC worked to promote fine jewelry to consumers by, for example, pitching stories about jewelry trends to media outlets or booking educational segments about diamonds on shows like NBC’s “Today” and “The Tonight Show.”
(JIC merged with Jewelers of America in 2009 and continues that same work today as part of JA.)
The spring 1996 edition of “Link,” the JIC’s publication, includes a picture of Ramsey with former “Today” show hosts Bryant Gumbel and Jane Pauley, while another photo from JIC’s archives shows her at CNN in 1997 (see below).
She headed JIC for five years before launching her own public relations agency in 2000, focusing on—of course—PR consulting in the fine jewelry industry.
(Photo courtesy of Jewelers of America)
Ramsey was also an active member of the Women’s Jewelry Association member, serving as a national and New York Metro Chapter board member for many years.
In 1993, she won the WJA Award for Excellence in marketing.
“Lynn paved the way for many women in our industry and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come,” WJA said in a statement on Ramsey’s passing.
Ramsey is survived by two brothers, Ted and John; one sister, Kay; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She will be laid to rest alongside her parents in Pennsylvania, and a memorial service will take place in New York in the future.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
