Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingAug 05, 2022
Rare Earth Mining Co.’s Bill Heher Dies at 72
The passionate gem lover helped bring more than 300 different varieties of stones to the gem trade.
Bill Heher, who founded Rare Earth Mining Company, died Aug. 1. He is pictured here outside the Aricanga Mine in Brazil, where he extracted the tourmaline-in-quartz specimen.
Trumbull, Conn.—William “Bill” Heher, founder of Rare Earth Mining Company and passionate gemstone lover, died Aug. 1 at the age of 72.
Though he started his career as a teacher, Heher eventually went into the world of gems and fossils, bringing interesting and unique pieces to the world through his company.
Heher had a “zest for the unexplored, rarely seen,” according to an online obituary. He started traveling in his 20s, venturing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro—which led to his introduction to gemstones—and visiting cities like Hong Kong; Idar-Oberstein, Germany; São Paolo, Brazil; and New Delhi, India.
Everywhere he went, he immersed himself in the culture and made lifelong friends, seamlessly combining business and pleasure throughout his career, his family said.
Heher opened Rare Earth Mining Co. in 1968; the company works with more than 300 materials and is always a popular booth during the Tucson gem shows.
Heher had an incredible passion for what he did.
An excerpt from a 2021 profile in AGTA’s Prism reads: “His love for his material was something I had never seen before. A few times, my father literally cried at the booth when a customer bought out his ‘My Best’ collection. It contained ‘The Volcano,’ ‘The Eye of the Leopard,’ and a few Munsteiner pieces he wanted to travel with and show to the world. To see them not with him anymore was a very emotional experience for him.”
He also opened and operated the Rare Earth Gallery in Redding, Connecticut, where he constructed a mine where kids could hunt for treasures and have birthday parties.
Though he started his career as a teacher, Heher eventually went into the world of gems and fossils, bringing interesting and unique pieces to the world through his company.
Heher had a “zest for the unexplored, rarely seen,” according to an online obituary. He started traveling in his 20s, venturing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro—which led to his introduction to gemstones—and visiting cities like Hong Kong; Idar-Oberstein, Germany; São Paolo, Brazil; and New Delhi, India.
Everywhere he went, he immersed himself in the culture and made lifelong friends, seamlessly combining business and pleasure throughout his career, his family said.
Heher opened Rare Earth Mining Co. in 1968; the company works with more than 300 materials and is always a popular booth during the Tucson gem shows.
Heher had an incredible passion for what he did.
An excerpt from a 2021 profile in AGTA’s Prism reads: “His love for his material was something I had never seen before. A few times, my father literally cried at the booth when a customer bought out his ‘My Best’ collection. It contained ‘The Volcano,’ ‘The Eye of the Leopard,’ and a few Munsteiner pieces he wanted to travel with and show to the world. To see them not with him anymore was a very emotional experience for him.”
He also opened and operated the Rare Earth Gallery in Redding, Connecticut, where he constructed a mine where kids could hunt for treasures and have birthday parties.
He was a supporter of experiential education, traveling to mine locations around the world to learn firsthand about gemstones, and loved that his sons share his passions for teaching, adventure, and stones. His son Will is a teacher, and his other son Curtis has taken the reign at Rare Earth.
Heher served on the board of the American Gem Trade Association, which he called one of his “crowning achievements,” according to the Prism profile.
He was known as a master storyteller with an infectious smile and a passion for life.
“Devoted to his family, the family gemstone business, to education and adventure, and to AGTA, Bill’s loss will be felt deeply,” AGTA said in its ePrism newsletter this week. “Our thoughts are with the Heher family.”
Billi was preceded in death by his brother, John H. Heher; mother, Marion Hoadley Heher; and father, John Sylvester Heher.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Lynn Manson Heher; son William Wallace Heher and his wife Julie Shattuck Heher; son Curtis Andrew Heher and his wife Kerry Jane Heher; and many grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 4-8 p.m. at the Starkweather House at the Nichols Improvement Association, 1773 Huntington Tpke., Trumbull, Connecticut.
His family said to come dressed comfortably to laugh, tell stories, and to celebrate the husband, father, and friend that he was.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that contributions be made to one of Heher’s passions—the Nichols Improvement Association or Trumbull Little League.
Heher served on the board of the American Gem Trade Association, which he called one of his “crowning achievements,” according to the Prism profile.
He was known as a master storyteller with an infectious smile and a passion for life.
“Devoted to his family, the family gemstone business, to education and adventure, and to AGTA, Bill’s loss will be felt deeply,” AGTA said in its ePrism newsletter this week. “Our thoughts are with the Heher family.”
Billi was preceded in death by his brother, John H. Heher; mother, Marion Hoadley Heher; and father, John Sylvester Heher.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Lynn Manson Heher; son William Wallace Heher and his wife Julie Shattuck Heher; son Curtis Andrew Heher and his wife Kerry Jane Heher; and many grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 4-8 p.m. at the Starkweather House at the Nichols Improvement Association, 1773 Huntington Tpke., Trumbull, Connecticut.
His family said to come dressed comfortably to laugh, tell stories, and to celebrate the husband, father, and friend that he was.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that contributions be made to one of Heher’s passions—the Nichols Improvement Association or Trumbull Little League.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
