GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
EditorsOct 10, 2023
Remembering Hedda Schupak, ‘A Real Gem’
Members of the industry and Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff share their memories of the longtime editor, who died unexpectedly last week.
Hedda Schupak, right, and longtime friend Russ Shor are pictured at the Gemological Institute of America’s 2005 “League of Honor” dinner in New York. Hedda died last week at age 62 of lung cancer. (Photo courtesy of GIA)
It seems like I’ve written many obituaries for industry colleagues who have died unexpectedly in recent years, but I don’t remember being as shocked as I was last week by the news of Hedda Schupak’s passing.
And I don’t remember ever seeing such an outpouring online as I’ve witnessed for Hedda, from LinkedIn to Facebook to my own inbox, which was flooded with messages after the news broke last Tuesday.
Former colleagues, retailers, designers, and heads of organizations wrote to me, expressing the same shock and sharing their memories of a woman who dedicated her career to the jewelry industry.
Hedda spent 23 years at JCK magazine, a lifetime in the world of journalism. For nine of those years, she served as the publication’s editor-in-chief, a grueling and often thankless job.
After her time at JCK, she remained in the industry, serving as editor of the Centurion show’s newsletter.
Last year, she told JCK News Director Rob Bates she was “semi-retiring.”
While I remember reading Rob’s article, I wasn’t surprised when I saw Hedda in Las Vegas earlier this year because she acknowledged in Rob’s story what we all know to be true: “No one leaves the jewelry industry completely.”
Now, I’m finding it hard to believe I’ll never see Hedda again because she was Hedda—strong, smart, confident, bold, and articulate. She was never one to mince words, and never was afraid of speaking her mind.
When I talked with fellow industry journalist Russ Shor last week, he described his longtime friend as someone who was “very forthright” and “extremely honest,” two excellent qualities for a journalist.
“Hedda was a deeply caring, deeply loyal person. We were besties. That’s the only way to describe it,” Shor said.
She, he also noted, ran JCK magazine with the upmost integrity, which did not go unnoticed among its target demographic—jewelers.
Jim Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box, Veronica Guarino of Louis Anthony Jewelers, Elva Valentine of Valentine’s Jewelry, and Susan Eisen of Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches all reached out to me directly to share memories of Hedda.
Rosenheim wrote, “I met Hedda at Vincenza fair decades ago. We were both looking into the show window of the same exhibitor … We shared discoveries and experiences whenever our paths crossed.
“She was a cherished friend and colleague whose loss has left a real vacuum in my life.”
Valentine described Hedda as a “bright star” and Eisen, a “real gem,” while Guarino wrote, “I am so sorry to hear of Hedda’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing her at the shows. She was a positive, energetic woman who contributed so much to the industry.
“We were on a trip together to Italy in 2013, [at the trade show] About J, and she interviewed Lou and me regarding trends in the industry. We had a lot of great laughs together. She will be missed.”
Robert Weldon, who worked alongside both Hedda and Shor at JCK in the ‘90s, said, “Working with Hedda was a trip. She was fun, opinionated, and hard working.
“When I moved to the Philadelphia area, she became a trusted professional colleague and friend. I remember bringing a cappuccino-maker to work, and every day we would all meet for a quick pick-me-up, the machine screeching and squealing out its steamed milk … But it was not just the coffee; it was our time to share ideas.
“I am so, so sorry to hear of Hedda’s passing. She was passionate, compassionate, and memorable. In our industry, and Hedda’s beloved jewelry industry, she made a difference.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
I do not have the same history with Hedda as Shor, Weldon, or some of my other fellow jewelry industry journalists who worked alongside her at JCK, so I invite you to read their remembrances.
Jennifer Heebner memorialized Hedda in the latest AGTA Prism newsletter, Anthony DeMarco recalled the influence Hedda had on his career for Centurion, and Rob Bates rounded up memories from JCK staffers past and present.
Even though we never worked at the same publication, I always liked Hedda.
We talked whenever we bumped into each other at trade shows or other industry events, and we kept in touch via email, discussing politics, journalism, and the Pittsburgh Steelers (all in a fairly dismal state at the moment, to be honest).
Her husband Jim and I are both Steelers fans, and Hedda would often email me after a tough loss to check in, and to let me know Jim was just as depressed as I was.
In more recent years, our conversations expanded to include cats.
An ‘Iconic’ Cat Lady
You didn’t have to know Hedda well to understand that no remembrance of her would be complete without mentioning her love of cats, the supreme beings of the pet world.
A couple months after I adopted my tuxedo cat, Salem, I mentioned him in an email to Hedda. She requested pictures (who wouldn’t?) and wrote, “I’m sure you have already figured out that once you have a cat, you wonder how you ever got along without one.”
She was right.
After I wrote about Hedda’s passing on Tuesday, one of the first messages I received was a text from Severine Ferrari, who wrote, “So sad to hear about Hedda. She was one of the smartest in the industry when it came to understanding consumer minds.
“But most of all, she was one of the most iconic cat ladies in our industry. She gave me great tips when Padmé was sick. It was great to see her pop up at JCK [this year], which was the last time I saw her.”
Shortly after receiving Severine’s message, I got an email from Andrea Hansen, who said, “Heartbroken over the news about Hedda. I am sure as a cat person you know how much she loved her fur babies. I cannot tell you how many times she direct messaged me to tell me about a plant that is toxic to kitties, or to help this ‘dog lady’ become a ‘cat lady.’
“Her big smile and infectious laugh came through as only Hedda’s could, whether it was bumping into her at a Vegas show, or even in the way she wrote her direct messages.”
Rest in peace, Hedda. Wherever you are, I hope there are plenty of cats. And, if that’s the case, then please save a space for me.
A memorial service for Hedda is set for Nov. 17 at Temple Brith Achim in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the service scheduled to start at 12:30. Following the service, all will be invited to a yet-to-be-named local restaurant to share their memories of Hedda.
For those unable to attend in person, friends of Hedda’s are working on a live-streaming option.
Editor's note: This story was updated post-publication to include information about services for Hedda Schupak.
A memorial service for Hedda is set for Nov. 17 at Temple Brith Achim in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the service scheduled to start at 12:30. Following the service, all will be invited to a yet-to-be-named local restaurant to share their memories of Hedda.
For those unable to attend in person, friends of Hedda’s are working on a live-streaming option.
Editor's note: This story was updated post-publication to include information about services for Hedda Schupak.
More on Editors
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
