Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to Jeweler
Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.

He was nominated and chosen for the award by his fellow colleagues at Borsheims.
Wolff began his career at the retailer in 2012 as a jeweler, after growing up in the industry.
His grandfather and father owned Wolff Jewelers and Goldsmith in Iowa and Nebraska. Wolff worked at the Iowa location from 1992 to 2001 in a variety of roles, including as a goldsmith, sales associate, and manager for the family business.
In 2001, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and became a jeweler for Hostetter’s Jewelry until the store’s closing in 2012.
“Today, Wolff is known at Borsheims as a kind-hearted leader and someone who consistently goes above and beyond to design special, one-of-a-kind creations for Borsheims customers,” said the retailer.
Wolff said one of his favorite creations he made for a customer is a watch-turned-bracelet. The customer was gifted a watch from her parents when she graduated college in 1954. Wolff reset it into a bracelet, preserving the message on the back from the customer’s parents.
Borsheims CEO and President Karen Goracke shared her congratulations.
“Jay has long been celebrated by his colleagues for his attention to detail, his willingness to help train new team members, and his helpful attitude. And he’s a true talent! Borsheims is incredibly lucky to have Jay as one of our esteemed team members,” she said.
Wolff and his wife live in Blair, Nebraska, with their daughter, Chloe, and son, Riley. When he’s not at Borsheims, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family.
The Ike-It Award is given annually to one associate who embodies Borsheims’ commitment to customer service and demonstrates the company’s core values.
Now in its 33rd year, it was named in honor of Ike Friedman, who owned Borsheims from 1947 to 1989. The award started in 1992, a year after his passing.
Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the 155-year-old retailer is one of the largest independent jewelry stores in the U.S.
The Latest

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.


The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.

Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.






















