Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
IndependentsFeb 16, 2024
Mary Ball Gorman of Henry B. Ball Jewelers Dies at 99
Gorman was an industry trailblazer, serving as the first female treasurer of Jewelers of America.
Mary Ball Gorman, industry trailblazer and owner of Henry B. Ball Jewelers in Akron, Ohio, died Wednesday at age 99.
Akron, Ohio—Mary Frances Ball Gorman, longtime owner of Henry B. Ball Jewelers in Akron, Ohio, died Feb. 14.
She was 99.
Gorman was born in Lakewood, Ohio, on Sept. 9, 1924.
At the age of 24, she joined her first husband, W. Henry “Skip” Ball, at his family jewelry business, Henry B. Ball Co. His father, Henry B. Ball, opened the store in 1915.
Gorman worked in the family store for nearly 70 years, collecting numerous titles and degrees throughout her tenure.
She received her Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, and earned the titles of Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, and Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society.
She also earned the title of Master Graduate Gemologist from the Independent Jewelers Organization and completed the International Society of Appraisers’ core courses.
“She was an authority in the industry, was often the only woman in a room full of men at national meetings, paving the way in a man’s industry, and rising to sole owner and president of the family business as a single mother of six in 1971 when her husband, Skip, died,” according to her online obituary.
In 1973, she married Tom Gorman, a diamond wholesaler. He died in 1979.
Gorman was a world traveler, visiting various mines in Tanzania, sapphire mines in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), opal mines in Australia, pearl beds in Japan, and diamond mines in South Africa.
She served on the boards of a variety of industry organizations including AGS, Jewelers of America, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. In 1996, she was appointed to a three-year term as JA board treasurer, the first woman to hold the position.
She was president of the Ohio Jewelers Association and the Ohio Guild of the AGS.
She also served as AGS Conclave chairman from 1988 through 1993 and was a contributor to JCK magazine.
Gorman is survived by sons James Ball, Thomas Ball, and Robert (Patricia) Ball; daughters Barbara (John) Dietrich and Nancy (Patrick) Martin Looby; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Skip and Tom; a son, Damian Ball; and her 12 brothers and sisters.
A service will be held Feb. 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church followed by a burial mass at Rose Hill Burial Park.
She was 99.
Gorman was born in Lakewood, Ohio, on Sept. 9, 1924.
At the age of 24, she joined her first husband, W. Henry “Skip” Ball, at his family jewelry business, Henry B. Ball Co. His father, Henry B. Ball, opened the store in 1915.
Gorman worked in the family store for nearly 70 years, collecting numerous titles and degrees throughout her tenure.
She received her Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, and earned the titles of Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, and Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society.
She also earned the title of Master Graduate Gemologist from the Independent Jewelers Organization and completed the International Society of Appraisers’ core courses.
“She was an authority in the industry, was often the only woman in a room full of men at national meetings, paving the way in a man’s industry, and rising to sole owner and president of the family business as a single mother of six in 1971 when her husband, Skip, died,” according to her online obituary.
In 1973, she married Tom Gorman, a diamond wholesaler. He died in 1979.
Gorman was a world traveler, visiting various mines in Tanzania, sapphire mines in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), opal mines in Australia, pearl beds in Japan, and diamond mines in South Africa.
She served on the boards of a variety of industry organizations including AGS, Jewelers of America, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. In 1996, she was appointed to a three-year term as JA board treasurer, the first woman to hold the position.
She was president of the Ohio Jewelers Association and the Ohio Guild of the AGS.
She also served as AGS Conclave chairman from 1988 through 1993 and was a contributor to JCK magazine.
Gorman is survived by sons James Ball, Thomas Ball, and Robert (Patricia) Ball; daughters Barbara (John) Dietrich and Nancy (Patrick) Martin Looby; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Skip and Tom; a son, Damian Ball; and her 12 brothers and sisters.
A service will be held Feb. 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church followed by a burial mass at Rose Hill Burial Park.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
