Independents

Industry Technology Visionary Jeff High Dies at 60

IndependentsSep 10, 2024

Industry Technology Visionary Jeff High Dies at 60

The Gemvision founder is remembered as a passionate mentor with a deep love for God.

 Jeffrey Lynn High
Jeff High, 60, died from complications related to liver cancer on Thursday, Sept. 5. High was the founder of Gemvision and, later, the vice president of Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Lafayette, La.—Industry visionary Jeffrey Lynn High died on Sept. 5 surrounded by family and friends at his home in Duson, a small town in Louisiana.

High, who was diagnosed with liver cancer six weeks ago, was 60.

His family remembers him as a loving husband, father, inventor, entrepreneur, friend, and mentor to many.

He also had a deep love for God, spreading his joy and enthusiasm for life wherever he went.

High had a long career in the jewelry industry centered on inventing, designing, and creating CAD/CAM and photography technology for jewelry designers.

In 1990, he founded jewelry technology company Gemvision, headquartered in Davenport, Iowa.

At Gemvision, he worked with businesses all over the world, said his family, adding that many regard his company and products as having revolutionized the jewelry industry.

Stuller acquired the company in 2009.

In 2012, the High family moved from Bettendorf, Iowa, to Lafayette, Louisiana, where High worked for Stuller as its chief innovation officer.

On Monday afternoon, Stuller shared a statement on High’s passing, with company founder Matt Stuller describing the late jeweler as a “powerful visionary.”

“Jeff and I spent countless hours talking about the future,” he said.

“I loved his commitment to the industry and his natural slant towards technology. Jeff was always tinkering with gadgets and never quite satisfied with anything he touched ... Jeff’s work at Gemvision and Stuller will influence all of us for decades to come. We are forever grateful for our time with Jeff, although it was far too short.”

In 2014, High and his wife of 40 years, Dianna Rae High, opened Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette. He served as the store’s vice president.

According to a feature story on Dianna in a 2017 issue of Face Magazine, she took a part-time job at Jeff’s father’s store, Philip’s Diamond Shop in Marion, Iowa, when she was in high school.

They eventually married and moved to California to attend the Gemological Institute of America.

The following year, in 1985, they returned to Iowa and opened and operated a store under the Philip High brand in the region’s “Quad Cities” area, a grouping of cities at the Iowa-Illinois border.

In the Face Magazine article, Dianna remembers that although they’d always created designs by hand, “Jeff was always the techie, mad scientist type, and had this idea to use computers for designing. He pioneered CAD-CAM software.”

They later closed the Quad Cities store to raise their children, but still ran a small-scale jewelry business out of their home.

In the article, Dianna recalls Jeff’s software helping her maintain a life-work balance.

“From my kitchen table, I used the program to custom design pieces for clients, with my children playing or studying within arm’s reach. It enabled me to negotiate the competing demands of work and motherhood on my own terms, so that I could prioritize the needs of my family.”

According to its website, Dianna Rae Jewelry has won two CASE awards from Jewelers of America and numerous Jewelers of Louisiana Design awards, one of which was the Best of Show Award at the 2018 Jewelers of Louisiana Convention.

The store also was a runner-up for Luxury Retailer of the Year by JCK and made Instore magazine’s list of America’s Coolest Stores this year.

Jeff retired at the age of 51, devoting his time to serving others through continuing to invent, design, and create for local businesses, nonprofits, and friends, said his online obituary.

In April, he was one of the keynote speakers, as well as an event photographer, at the Jewelers of Louisiana/Mississippi Jewelers Convention, speaking on artificial intelligence.

He retained a passion for mentoring and inspiring others, always encouraging them to excel in their careers and achieve success in business, said his family.

“Throughout his life, Jeff exemplified a commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to our industry, which he served with generosity and grace,” Bobby Ramsey, president of Jewelers of Louisiana, said in a statement.

“While we mourn the loss of Jeff, we also take this moment to celebrate the incredible life he led. Jeff’s innovations in the jewelry industry, his leadership, and his generous contributions have left an indelible mark on many. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence us for years to come.”

His family encourages readers of Jeff’s obituary, “When things are going well or not so well, remember the words of Jeff High … ETA—Embrace the Adventure!”

High is survived by his wife Dianna Davis High; his daughters, Rio Lynn High and Ronni Rae High; his mother, Jane High; his brother, Phillip High Jr. and his wife, Becky; his sister, Katheryne Levin; as well as other in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Philip High Sr., and his brother-in-law, Stephen Levin.

Services are scheduled for Sept. 16 at The Bayou Church in Lafayette, Louisiana, beginning with visitation at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral and a celebration of life at 11 a.m.

Rev. Sean Walker will officiate at the services.

An additional funeral service and celebration of life directed by Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home will be held Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. at Christ Community Church in Marion, Iowa, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.

A burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to mikeroweWORKS Foundation in memory of Jeff High.

Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

The Latest

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
Events & AwardsJun 06, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy