AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
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.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
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.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
