IndependentsJun 06, 2022
The Industry Remembers the ‘Irreplaceable’ Steven KaiserEvents & AwardsOct 05, 2022
Steven Kaiser to Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award
Kaiser, who died in May, will be honored with the 2023 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement for his dedication to the watch industry.
Steven Kaiser will receive the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement posthumously for the decades of service he dedicated to the watch industry, the Gem Awards, and a slew of organizations including Jewelers for Children, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and the Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
New York—The 2023 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement will be presented posthumously to Steven Kaiser for his “lifelong dedication to the watch industry and his support of Gem Awards,” Jewelers of America and the Gem Awards Committee announced Wednesday.
One of the most well-known and well-regarded figures in the watch industry, Kaiser died this past May at age 68.
His unexpected passing came as a shock to his many friends and colleagues in the industry, who remembered his unparalleled ability to connect with people, give advice, and get things done.
“He touched a lot of people and affected a lot of careers and brands,” longtime business associate Diane James told National Jeweler in an interview earlier this year. “He did leave the industry better.”
Kaiser’s career spanned decades, from his early days with Baume & Mercier, to the launch of consultancy Kaiser Time Inc., to his hand in creating Luxury Swiss Watch by JCK and, later, consulting for the Couture show.
In 2020, he started a new job as the U.S. President and CEO for Kennedy Luxury Group, a retailer with 14 stores across Australia.
One of the most well-known and well-regarded figures in the watch industry, Kaiser died this past May at age 68.
His unexpected passing came as a shock to his many friends and colleagues in the industry, who remembered his unparalleled ability to connect with people, give advice, and get things done.
“He touched a lot of people and affected a lot of careers and brands,” longtime business associate Diane James told National Jeweler in an interview earlier this year. “He did leave the industry better.”
Kaiser’s career spanned decades, from his early days with Baume & Mercier, to the launch of consultancy Kaiser Time Inc., to his hand in creating Luxury Swiss Watch by JCK and, later, consulting for the Couture show.
In 2020, he started a new job as the U.S. President and CEO for Kennedy Luxury Group, a retailer with 14 stores across Australia.
He also served on the board of directors for a number of organizations over the years, including Jewelers for Children, the Jewelry Information Center (now part of JA), Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers’ Security Alliance, and the Gem Awards.
At the time of his passing, Kaiser was the Gem Awards Committee’s chairman emeritus.
“There is no greater honor than being able to give the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement to Steven Kaiser. Steven was an industry icon who never stopped supporting trade organizations, watch companies, and the individuals who shape them,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“Steven always made time for others, and we look forward to celebrating his legacy with all who loved and respected him.”
The 21st annual Gem Awards gala is scheduled for Friday, March 17, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
The annual event honors the outstanding achievements of individuals or companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches.
JA will be announcing the other Gem Award categories and nominees for 2023 in the coming weeks.
Sponsorships and tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit the Gem Awards website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
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.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
