IndependentsFeb 12, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Moves to New FlagshipIndependentsFeb 28, 2024
Borsheims' ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to Shop Manager
Marti Stephens was honored with the annual award.
Borsheims shop manager, Marti Stephens, has been honored with the company’s annual “Ike-It Award.”
Omaha, Neb.— Borsheims has presented the “Ike-It Employee of the Year Award” to its shop manager, Marti Stephens.
Each year, it is awarded to one associate who embodies Borsheims’ commitment to customer service and demonstrates the company’s core values, the company said.
Stephens, who was nominated and selected by her colleagues at Borsheims, was presented with the award on Feb. 20.
As shop manager, Stephens oversees the daily duties of each department in the Borsheims shop, including bench jewelers and polishers, the appraisal team, shop support service, engraving and watch repair.
In 2000, Stephens started with the company as an appraisal lab coordinator. She left briefly and returned in 2012 as a jewelry appraiser.
Since then, she has worked as senior jewelry appraiser, shop support supervisor, assistant shop manager, and in her current role, shop manager.
She holds a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America, as well as a degree in jewelry design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Related stories will be right here …
Each year, it is awarded to one associate who embodies Borsheims’ commitment to customer service and demonstrates the company’s core values, the company said.
Stephens, who was nominated and selected by her colleagues at Borsheims, was presented with the award on Feb. 20.
As shop manager, Stephens oversees the daily duties of each department in the Borsheims shop, including bench jewelers and polishers, the appraisal team, shop support service, engraving and watch repair.
In 2000, Stephens started with the company as an appraisal lab coordinator. She left briefly and returned in 2012 as a jewelry appraiser.
Since then, she has worked as senior jewelry appraiser, shop support supervisor, assistant shop manager, and in her current role, shop manager.
She holds a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America, as well as a degree in jewelry design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Stephens has been an Omaha resident for 23 years and resides with her husband Cory and children Bennett and Norah.
“Marti’s dedication and passion represent the very spirit of Borsheims,” said Borsheims CEO and President Karen Goracke.
“Through her exceptional leadership, she has not only elevated the performance of our shop team, she has also set a benchmark for all of us. She is a true asset, and her impact extends to the positive culture she fosters. We are fortunate to have her as a driving force in our organization.”
Borsheims’ “Ike-It Employee of the Year Award” is a tribute to Ike Friedman, who owned Borsheims from 1947 to 1989.
The honor was created in 1992, the year after Friedman died. This is the 32nd year the company has presented the award.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
