Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
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
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
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 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
