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
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
