Events & Awards

Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to Jeweler

Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025

Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to Jeweler

Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.

Borsheims Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff
Borsheims honored Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff with the “Ike-It” Employee of the Year award for 2024.
Omaha, Neb.—Borsheims has awarded the “Ike-It” Employee of the Year award for 2024 to Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff.

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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Borsheims CEO and President Karen Goracke shared her congratulations.

Borsheims Jay Wolff and Karen Goracke
Award winner Jay Wolff (left) with Borsheims CEO and President Karen Goracke


“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

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

New York City FC winning the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy in 2021
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports History

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Exhibitor at JIS
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure Program

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

Melanie Georgacopoulos Eclipse Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ Collection

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show Buying

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Mugshot of 20-year-old Landen Julian Ballard of Vero Beach, Florida
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in Florida

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

Gild Zadok, Segev Zadok, and Jonathan Zadok at Austin park
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower Preservation

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Gemist new retailer offering
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization Offering

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Hand putting gas pump in car
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas Prices

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

×

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