SourcingDec 04, 2024
Designer Saul Fraiman Retires After 55 YearsIndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire
Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Steve Feldman, an industry veteran of 45 years, is heading into retirement.
New York—Steve Feldman, a longtime member of the jewelry industry, is heading into retirement after 45 years.
Well, he’s sort of retiring, Feldman clarified.
“Sort of because I know I’ll need to keep busy. And I’m certain I can use my writing and storytelling skills to help a few diamond and jewelry companies on their website, with social media and marketing,” he said.
“But my [vice president] and director of sales and marketing days are over. I am indeed, and perhaps finally, packing in my full-time jewelry industry career.”
Feldman began his career at National Jeweler, joining as associate publisher in the late 1970s.
“Jimmy Carter was president. Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ was No. 1. Star Wars Episode IV was on top. Laverne & Shirley ran neck and neck with Happy Days,” he recalled.
On his first day on the job, the publication held a press conference announcing the magazine would now publish semi-monthly (24 times a year) instead of monthly.
“The news was not exactly met with a standing ovation, letting me know this was going to be a really interesting ride. And it sure has been,” he said.
Feldman looked back on some memorable moments of his career, including being there at the very start of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).
An “emotional rebellion” of colored gemstone dealers had threatened to leave the existing Tucson trade show, he said. After an unsuccessful mediation with show management in the back of a hotel kitchen, they left, forming AGTA.
Related stories will be right here …
Well, he’s sort of retiring, Feldman clarified.
“Sort of because I know I’ll need to keep busy. And I’m certain I can use my writing and storytelling skills to help a few diamond and jewelry companies on their website, with social media and marketing,” he said.
“But my [vice president] and director of sales and marketing days are over. I am indeed, and perhaps finally, packing in my full-time jewelry industry career.”
Feldman began his career at National Jeweler, joining as associate publisher in the late 1970s.
“Jimmy Carter was president. Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ was No. 1. Star Wars Episode IV was on top. Laverne & Shirley ran neck and neck with Happy Days,” he recalled.
On his first day on the job, the publication held a press conference announcing the magazine would now publish semi-monthly (24 times a year) instead of monthly.
“The news was not exactly met with a standing ovation, letting me know this was going to be a really interesting ride. And it sure has been,” he said.
Feldman looked back on some memorable moments of his career, including being there at the very start of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).
An “emotional rebellion” of colored gemstone dealers had threatened to leave the existing Tucson trade show, he said. After an unsuccessful mediation with show management in the back of a hotel kitchen, they left, forming AGTA.
Feldman later worked with Chatham Created Gems and found himself in the middle of more drama, as many natural gem dealers took a stance against lab-grown gems, a situation, he said, that bears a striking resemblance to the current state of the industry.
Feldman launched a marketing campaign with the theme: “Don’t Use the Word Synthetic,” imprinted on flyers, ribbons, and buttons. “Lab-grown” won out as the phrasing of choice.
In the end, “lab-grown” was the ultimate name of choice, as it still is today.
Feldman returned to the trade press, working with Modern Jeweler and Lustre.
He later became director of sales and marketing for Hasenfeld-Stein, a De Beers sightholder. It was here that he learned to appreciate diamonds, he said.
“To be privy to the inner workings of De Beers, getting to appreciate their power and influence, was eye-opening,” said Feldman.
“I’ll never forget a marketing meeting in [its] London office when I challenged [its] ‘two-months salary’ marketing and advertising campaign. I didn’t realize how sensitive a subject that was. But they were ready for me.”
Feldman had spent 40 years working with retailers and manufacturers before joining Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL), which he called “the perfect transition.”
“It’s been an awesome ride,” said Feldman. “So much has changed, while a whole lot seems very much the same.”
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New YorkThe industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersThe nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaThe two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron JewelsThe single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
