CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
MajorsMar 16, 2021
Industry Pillar Nate Light, Architect of Modern-Day Sterling Jewelers, Dies at 86
He grew the company from a chain of 32 stores to a national retailer with more than 1,000 doors.
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.—Longtime Sterling Jewelers executive Nathan “Nate” Light, a pillar of the industry who made the retailer the massive powerhouse it is today, died March 12 in Florida.
He was 86.
Light was born on Nov. 13, 1934.
After working for other jewelry retailers, he joined Sterling in 1977, when he was in his early 40s.
He was the driving force behind the acquisitions that grew the Akron, Ohio-based retailer from what it was then—a 32-store chain—to a giant, publicly traded company with more than 1,000 doors, 14,000 employees and annual revenues of nearly $1 billion.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Signet Jewelers Ltd. since 1987, Sterling’s banners include some of the most recognizable names in jewelry retail, like mall staple Kay Jewelers and the standalone Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores, which are pillars of Signet today.
Light was also a charitable man.
Beginning in the 1980s, he was active with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and helped to organize the industry’s “Party with a Purpose” at JCK Las Vegas in 1994.
The Party With a Purpose was the foundation for the annual, well-attended Facets for Hope gala still hosted by Jewelers for Children today.
Light was named to National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 1995, the same year he retired as Sterling’s CEO.
In 2016, what was then known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund presented its inaugural Diamonds Do Good Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing an individual who has promoted the importance of developing social purpose programs and charitable giving to help communities where the diamond industry does business.
Light was first recipient of this award since, DEF said at the time, he was someone who epitomized this ideal.
According to posts on an online memorial page and on social media, Light was a “people person” who was known for treating everyone with kindness and respect.
“I have never known any individual with his business sense, people skills or personality in my lifetime. Sterling Inc. was built upon Nate Light’s success,” one person wrote on the memorial page
Another stated: “Nate was truly the backbone of Sterling Jewelry. I remember one time him coming to distribution for a quick meeting. Seeing everyone standing and sitting around, he proceeded to drop to the ground and sit like everyone else.
“He never acted better than anyone else and that’s why we all liked him. God bless his family and loved ones.”
Signet Jewelers also provided a statement on Light’s passing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Nate’s family,” said David Bouffard, Signet’s vice president, corporate affairs.
“In honor of his contributions, and in line with the cause he cared deeply about, Signet’s Love Inspires Foundation has made a donation to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.”
He was 86.
Light was born on Nov. 13, 1934.
After working for other jewelry retailers, he joined Sterling in 1977, when he was in his early 40s.
He was the driving force behind the acquisitions that grew the Akron, Ohio-based retailer from what it was then—a 32-store chain—to a giant, publicly traded company with more than 1,000 doors, 14,000 employees and annual revenues of nearly $1 billion.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Signet Jewelers Ltd. since 1987, Sterling’s banners include some of the most recognizable names in jewelry retail, like mall staple Kay Jewelers and the standalone Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores, which are pillars of Signet today.
Light was also a charitable man.
Beginning in the 1980s, he was active with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and helped to organize the industry’s “Party with a Purpose” at JCK Las Vegas in 1994.
The Party With a Purpose was the foundation for the annual, well-attended Facets for Hope gala still hosted by Jewelers for Children today.
Light was named to National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 1995, the same year he retired as Sterling’s CEO.
In 2016, what was then known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund presented its inaugural Diamonds Do Good Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing an individual who has promoted the importance of developing social purpose programs and charitable giving to help communities where the diamond industry does business.
Light was first recipient of this award since, DEF said at the time, he was someone who epitomized this ideal.
According to posts on an online memorial page and on social media, Light was a “people person” who was known for treating everyone with kindness and respect.
“I have never known any individual with his business sense, people skills or personality in my lifetime. Sterling Inc. was built upon Nate Light’s success,” one person wrote on the memorial page
Another stated: “Nate was truly the backbone of Sterling Jewelry. I remember one time him coming to distribution for a quick meeting. Seeing everyone standing and sitting around, he proceeded to drop to the ground and sit like everyone else.
“He never acted better than anyone else and that’s why we all liked him. God bless his family and loved ones.”
Signet Jewelers also provided a statement on Light’s passing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Nate’s family,” said David Bouffard, Signet’s vice president, corporate affairs.
“In honor of his contributions, and in line with the cause he cared deeply about, Signet’s Love Inspires Foundation has made a donation to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.”
Light is survived by his wife, Candace; five children, Shelly and Michael Paolercio, Cheryl and Scott Golant, Mark and Andie Light, Alyse and Doug Storm, and Jared Light; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other loving family members.
The family held a private service for him on Monday in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Those who wish to honor Light can do so by donating to Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens, 7026 Fairview Lane, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, or to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 17279, Baltimore, MD 21297.
The family held a private service for him on Monday in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Those who wish to honor Light can do so by donating to Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens, 7026 Fairview Lane, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, or to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 17279, Baltimore, MD 21297.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in OctoberA more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsThe funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security AllianceJennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry WeekThis year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2MThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and LoveThe ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains SluggishThe company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest RocksParticipants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style FileThese 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a YachtStarboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.
