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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
WatchesNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearThe National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’sLate collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
