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.
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
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.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.”
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
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.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
