MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
IndependentsOct 03, 2018
Carolyn Kelly, Beloved Member of the Industry, Dies at 60
A native New Yorker who worked in jewelry for more than 40 years, Kelly passed away Tuesday following a battle with cancer.
New York—Carolyn Kelly, a beloved member of the industry for more than four decades, died Tuesday at her home in New York following a five-year battle with bile duct cancer. She was 60.
“Our industry lost one of its queens yesterday,” longtime friend Myriam Gumuchian said Wednesday. “Carolyn’s passion and knowledge for our jewelry world was unparalleled.”
Born Nov. 21, 1957 in New York, Kelly lived her entire life in the city. She grew up in Queens and then moved to Manhattan.
She started her career in 1974 as a divisional merchandise manager and buyer at Bloomingdale’s and remained with the retailer for 15 years, learning the business along the way.
Klein and Sybil Yurman used the word “brilliant” to describe Kelly and her merchandising abilities. Both also painted a picture of a woman who wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is but, at the same time, was a kind, loyal friend.
“She was truly brilliant, a very talented merchant with a great sense of humor,” Klein said. “She always saw the truth in everything.”
After Bloomingdale’s, Kelly spent one year at Mastoloni as director of “Gifts from the Sea” before taking a job as the divisional merchandise manager for fine jewelry at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she stayed from 1990 until 1999.
It was in the early ‘90s at Saks that she became a friend and colleague to Peter Webster, the president of Roberto Coin.
“She was one of the icons of the industry,” Webster said of Kelly when reached by phone Wednesday, “and a very loyal friend.”
She also served short stints at internet company Adornis and David Yurman, where she was vice president of merchandising from 2002 to 2003, and worked as a fine jewelry consultant for five years.
Sybil Yurman said Kelly continued to consult with David Yurman after leaving the company.
“She meant a lot to our family," Yurman said, referring to herself, husband David and son Evan. “She was always here in the family business for us.”
In 2006, Kelly and one of her sisters, Nancy Kelly, bought Old World Chain, with Carolyn explaining on her LinkedIn profile that, “After many years as a jewelry retailer and wholesaler, I wanted to be on my own.”
She is survived by her mother, JoAnne; three sisters, Lauren, Nancy and Suzy Kelly; one nephew, Gregory; one niece, Suzanne; and many friends.
“I am blessed to have had [Carolyn] as my friend. She will be forever in my heart, which is very heavy right now,” Gumuchian said. “I will never forget our fun, crazy times together, whether at trade shows, 24 Karat (Club) events, or in my house with my family and friends. She surely knew how to enjoy life. I will miss her and her wisdom ... until we meet again!”
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Hillebrand Funeral Home in Rego Park (Queens), New York. The funeral is set for Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to The Pancreas Center at Columbia University Medical Center.
Editor's note: This story was updated post-publication to include quotes from Sybil Yurman, Francine Klein and details on services for Carolyn Kelly.
“I am blessed to have had [Carolyn] as my friend. She will be forever in my heart, which is very heavy right now,” Gumuchian said. “I will never forget our fun, crazy times together, whether at trade shows, 24 Karat (Club) events, or in my house with my family and friends. She surely knew how to enjoy life. I will miss her and her wisdom ... until we meet again!”
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Hillebrand Funeral Home in Rego Park (Queens), New York. The funeral is set for Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to The Pancreas Center at Columbia University Medical Center.
Editor's note: This story was updated post-publication to include quotes from Sybil Yurman, Francine Klein and details on services for Carolyn Kelly.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
