GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
IndependentsJul 25, 2024
Store Designer Ruth Mellergaard Dies
A longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
Detroit—Ruth Mellergaard, owner and founder of interior design firm Grid/3, died Saturday, July 13, in Detroit, Michigan.
Her sister Sarah Yates-Howorth said she died peacefully.
The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO), where Mellergaard was a member for many years, shared news of her passing on its private member Facebook page.
IJO said Yates-Howorth notified the organization on Monday, July 8, that Mellergaard had been hospitalized and was in serious condition.
She died five days later.
“Many of you know she was scheduled to be in Chicago and had many appointments set up, as well as dinner plans,” IJO’s post said.
“Ruth was so excited to be coming to the show, and this has been very difficult to process. Rest in peace, Ruth.”
Mellergaard, the oldest of seven sisters, was born in London, England. In the early 1950s, she and her family moved to Canada.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interior design from University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada.
She is remembered for her lifelong career in design and her world travels, which she began in the 1960s.
Mellergaard spent time in Denmark, where Yates-Howorth said she further committed herself to her love and knowledge of design.
Later, while living in Toronto, she joined a design firm where she met designer Keith Kovar, her life partner of 45 years who died in November 2023.
They moved to New York and in 1982, established Grid/3 International. With the firm for 40 years, they designed stores in Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Panama, England, Canada, and throughout the U.S.
In addition to her love for design, Mellergaard was also a passionate environmentalist and advocate for the preservation and life of bees.
In her downtown Manhattan residence, she kept a garden, attracting butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.
Yates-Howorth writes, “anyone lucky enough to visit and smell the flowers found refuge from the city’s bustle in a place of color and profusely scented nature.”
In 2019, the pair moved the business to Detroit, Michigan, according to a post on Grid/3 International’s Facebook page.
Mellergaard joined IJO shortly after moving to the Empire State.
She had many friends in the organization and often presented workshops at IJO meetings across the country.
Mellergaard enjoyed learning, specializing in store planning for retail jewelry design.
While lighting, color, materials, and accessible design and jewelry were key interests, Yates-Howorth said Mellergaard loved people and often remarked that her clients and industry contracts were her greatest resource.
She was committed to the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity, and she passionately defended her beliefs.
“Thank you, Ruth, for making our lives richer,” wrote Yates-Howorth for IJO’s post. “We miss you already.”
Her sister Sarah Yates-Howorth said she died peacefully.
The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO), where Mellergaard was a member for many years, shared news of her passing on its private member Facebook page.
IJO said Yates-Howorth notified the organization on Monday, July 8, that Mellergaard had been hospitalized and was in serious condition.
She died five days later.
“Many of you know she was scheduled to be in Chicago and had many appointments set up, as well as dinner plans,” IJO’s post said.
“Ruth was so excited to be coming to the show, and this has been very difficult to process. Rest in peace, Ruth.”
Mellergaard, the oldest of seven sisters, was born in London, England. In the early 1950s, she and her family moved to Canada.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interior design from University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada.
She is remembered for her lifelong career in design and her world travels, which she began in the 1960s.
Mellergaard spent time in Denmark, where Yates-Howorth said she further committed herself to her love and knowledge of design.
Later, while living in Toronto, she joined a design firm where she met designer Keith Kovar, her life partner of 45 years who died in November 2023.
They moved to New York and in 1982, established Grid/3 International. With the firm for 40 years, they designed stores in Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Panama, England, Canada, and throughout the U.S.
In addition to her love for design, Mellergaard was also a passionate environmentalist and advocate for the preservation and life of bees.
In her downtown Manhattan residence, she kept a garden, attracting butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.
Yates-Howorth writes, “anyone lucky enough to visit and smell the flowers found refuge from the city’s bustle in a place of color and profusely scented nature.”
In 2019, the pair moved the business to Detroit, Michigan, according to a post on Grid/3 International’s Facebook page.
Mellergaard joined IJO shortly after moving to the Empire State.
She had many friends in the organization and often presented workshops at IJO meetings across the country.
Mellergaard enjoyed learning, specializing in store planning for retail jewelry design.
While lighting, color, materials, and accessible design and jewelry were key interests, Yates-Howorth said Mellergaard loved people and often remarked that her clients and industry contracts were her greatest resource.
She was committed to the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity, and she passionately defended her beliefs.
“Thank you, Ruth, for making our lives richer,” wrote Yates-Howorth for IJO’s post. “We miss you already.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
SourcingJan 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal CollectionThe wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
