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
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
