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
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
