Majors

Effy Jewelry Founder, Designer Effy Hematian Dies at 79

MajorsMay 02, 2023

Effy Jewelry Founder, Designer Effy Hematian Dies at 79

Hematian is remembered for his kindness, his passion for jewelry design, and his dedication to the company he started from scratch.

Effy Hematian
Effy Hematian, who founded Effy Jewelry after emigrating from Iran with nothing, died Sunday at age 79.
New York— Fatollah “Effy” Hematian, the founder and driving creative force behind Effy Jewelry, died Sunday surrounded by family.

He was 79.

Effy Jewelry shared news of its founder’s passing on social media Monday.

In a statement to National Jeweler, the company said: “With great sadness we announce the passing of Mr. Effy Hematian. Although we will all mourn this profound loss forever, we choose to celebrate all Effy has brought into our lives.

“Effy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, visionary and community leader. His honesty and humility only illuminate the industry-defining change he brought to the jewelry world. Through his unwavering belief in God, he demonstrated that we can live a life of passion and purpose, leaving the world better than he found it.”

Born Dec. 10, 1943, Hematian emigrated from Iran in the midst of the Islamic Revolution in the late 1970s.

Though he trained and worked as an electrical engineer, Hematian started a jewelry company when he landed in New York City in 1979, building his business from nothing, as recounted in a video posted to the Effy Jewelry YouTube channel.

“I’m really proud that I could tell you that [I] came to this country with zero and today we are one of the biggest [jewelry] manufacturers in the States,” he said.

According to the video, Hematian spent most of his mornings sketching jewelry designs, sometimes completing as many as 20 to 30 sketches in a single day. He said his background as an electrical engineer helped him see things other people might have missed.

In the afternoon, he liked to walk the factory floor and keep an eye on the production of his designs.

While his creativity and design inspirations were “endless,” the Effy Jewelry website describes one creature—the panther—as the designer’s “lifelong muse.” 

The big cat became the cornerstone of the brand’s “Signature Collection,” and it became a star at Jewelers for Children’s “Facets of Hope” event, held annually in Las Vegas alongside the Couture and JCK shows. 

Hematian and Effy Jewelry were longtime supporters of JFC and donated plush panthers to give away at the gala for about five years.  

JFC Executive Director David Rocha remembered Hematian as a “lovely man.” 

“Effy was always so kind and would make time to share his latest designs, his inspiration and his process. He was a real icon in our industry. My thoughts are with (Hematian’s son) Benny and his family,” Rocha said. 

Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of the RX Jewelry Portfolio, said: “We were so saddened to learn about Effy Hematian’s passing. Effy has been a wonderful partner to JCK over the years and a force in the industry.  

“We appreciated his deep passion for creating beautiful jewelry stemming from his roots as an engineer. Effy’s legacy will live on with his family, his namesake business, and the wonderful jewelry creations he inspires.”

On social media, members of the trade—including many Effy Jewelry employees—and the brand’s customers reacted to news of Hematian’s passing with similar remembrances, recalling a man who was kind and had a passion and a talent for design. 

Jan Swartz, the group president for Holland America Group, wrote on LinkedIn, “Mr. Effy Hematian was much more than one of the world’s most brilliant jewelry designers and visionary entrepreneurs. 

“Beyond his professional achievements, he had a kind and generous spirit. I admired his craftsmanship, creativity, passion, and love of his colleagues, community, and family. Mr. Effy will long be remembered by every life he touched, and his legacy will live on.” 

On Facebook, a longtime Effy Jewelry customer said, “RIP Effy … your creations have been making me happy for years and will continue to, for years to come.” 
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

The 2025 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the Industry

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

Eleanor H. Yeh GIA jewelry design
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent Award

Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Continental Buying Group logo
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
CBG Expands Las Vegas Show to 3 Days

The trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the Future

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Stafford’s Diamonds closing ad
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 Years

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Alan Zimmer
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter Award

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Woman wearing Brilliant Earth jewelry
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement Recovery

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

Chopard Insofu emerald collection
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Chris Anderson
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, Treasurer

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Jewelers of America’s new natural and lab-grown diamond brochure
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

A rough diamond and a polished diamond
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

New Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Chairman Kirit Bhansali
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Diamonds Do Good honoree Govind Dholakia at medical camp
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

Marla Aaron Liberty London Shop-in-Shop
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to London

The New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.

Medieval sapphire bishop ring
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for Sale

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

JA New York sign
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo Lineups

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee annual luncheon 2025 logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Jaythan Lawrence Gilder and body scan
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red Carpet

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Marco Bicego 25 Years Campaign Isabeli Fontana
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, Campaign

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Hill & Co The List
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer Database

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

Amy-Elise Signeavsky GIA
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual Luncheon

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Picture of Terry Chandler, president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

MaeVona King of the Mountains Torc
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ Collection

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy