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
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
