SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat RubyThe large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.
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
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein DiamondsThe diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.
Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable EnvironmentBetween tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ NecklaceDesigned by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs InvalidHowever, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry LineThe pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by StullerSponsored by Stuller
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat EmeraldIt was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description SoftwareGemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist TrialAging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic WinThe WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for AuctionThe platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored GemstonesGet a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
