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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
