Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
J.J. Marco’s Mark Cohen Dies at 63
He co-founded the fine jewelry brand with wife Julianne Jaffe in 1990.

New York—Mark Cohen, designer and co-founder of fine jewelry brand J.J. Marco, died May 27. He was 63.
Cohen and wife Julianne Jaffe started J.J. Marco in 1990.
Prior to that, he had apprenticed as a bench jeweler for his father’s fine jewelry workshop and earned an art degree at the esteemed Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.
Designing for his own brand landed Cohen’s jewelry in retailers like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, as well as various independent retailers across the United States.
In 2005, Cohen and Jaffe opened their own J.J. Marco boutique in New York City’s posh Upper East Side neighborhood, on Madison Avenue.
Described as an artist, Cohen created custom jewelry throughout his career for his clientele.
“He was a wonderful photographer and sculptor as well as a jewelry designer,” Jaffe said of her husband, “but the first thing everyone noticed about him was what an incredibly thoughtful, kind, generous person he was.”
Longtime jewelry journalist Lorraine DePasque commented: “Not only did he leave this world with a body of signature, beautiful jewelry designs but, and perhaps more importantly, he left after living a life of trying to make the world around him more beautiful.”
In his free time, Cohen loved to run, completing 13 marathons. He was also an avid fly and saltwater fisherman.
He is survived by Jaffe, who will continue to operate the New York City boutique, and his children, Stefanie and Jeremy.
The Latest

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.


The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.