Borsheims' ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to Shop Manager
Marti Stephens was honored with the annual award.

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.
The Latest

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.


It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.























