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

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.


Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.


























