SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
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
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
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.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
