IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsIndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award Winner
Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Borsheims announced senior jeweler Rachel Bennett as its “Ike-It” Employee of the Year for 2025.
Omaha, Neb.—Borsheims has named Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler at the company, as its “Ike-It” Employee of the Year for 2025.
The award is given annually to an associate who embodies Borsheims’ commitment to customer service and demonstrates the company’s core values.
Borsheims presented Bennett with the award on Feb. 17.
She was nominated and selected by her colleagues at Borsheims.
Bennett began her career at Borsheims in 2004 as a sales associate in the Gift Gallery and later transitioned into an apprentice jeweler role.
In 2022, she was selected to learn CAD and help develop Borsheims’ custom jewelry design program.
Since then, she has completed several advanced CAD courses and worked to refine Borsheims’ digital design capabilities. Last year, she completed her most recent course, a custom ring hand-fabrication class.
Bennett holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from Creighton University in Nebraska.
She lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her fiancé, whom she met there. Both grew up outside the United States.
“Rachel is an integral part of our shop team. Her presence strengthens our team dynamic, and she consistently goes the extra mile for both her customers and coworkers,” said Karen Goracke, CEO and president of Borsheims.
Borsheims’ Ike-It Employee of the Year Award is a tribute to Ike Friedman, Borsheims’ former owner. It started in 1992, the year after Friedman died.
Related stories will be right here …
The award is given annually to an associate who embodies Borsheims’ commitment to customer service and demonstrates the company’s core values.
Borsheims presented Bennett with the award on Feb. 17.
She was nominated and selected by her colleagues at Borsheims.
Bennett began her career at Borsheims in 2004 as a sales associate in the Gift Gallery and later transitioned into an apprentice jeweler role.
In 2022, she was selected to learn CAD and help develop Borsheims’ custom jewelry design program.
Since then, she has completed several advanced CAD courses and worked to refine Borsheims’ digital design capabilities. Last year, she completed her most recent course, a custom ring hand-fabrication class.
Bennett holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from Creighton University in Nebraska.
She lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her fiancé, whom she met there. Both grew up outside the United States.
“Rachel is an integral part of our shop team. Her presence strengthens our team dynamic, and she consistently goes the extra mile for both her customers and coworkers,” said Karen Goracke, CEO and president of Borsheims.
Borsheims’ Ike-It Employee of the Year Award is a tribute to Ike Friedman, Borsheims’ former owner. It started in 1992, the year after Friedman died.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
