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

Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.

The “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.

Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.


“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.

Richemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Nate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.

The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.

Plus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.

René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.

A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.

After eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
























