CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
MajorsMay 03, 2021
Tiffany’s Debbie Kaufman Remembered as a Bright Light With a Big Smile
The 30-year Tiffany & Co. veteran died unexpectedly in late March.
New York—Deborah Ann Kaufman, a longtime Tiffany executive known for her big smile and positive attitude, died unexpectedly March 26.
A lifelong resident of New York state, Kaufman was raised as an only child in Scarsdale.
She fell in love with the industry at a young age after traveling to Miami to visit her family’s jewelry business.
Despite having family in the business, Kaufman made her own way in the trade.
She waited on tables to pay for a degree from Baruch College in New York City, then enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Gemologist program to earn her G.G. and begin her journey in the world of gems and jewelry.
After earning her G.G., Kaufman did a short stint at the GIA laboratory before moving over to Tiffany & Co., where she would stay for 30 years.
Kaufman started in Tiffany’s jewelry crafting operation.
Eventually, her passion for diamonds drew her to the storied jeweler’s diamond acquisition team, where she performed multiple roles in the grading lab and buying office, eventually ascending to the position of director of diamond acquisition.
In a memorial penned by colleagues, Kaufman was described as a “bright light” with a big smile. She was approachable, open, kind, and fair.
She always found the best in others, said her colleagues, and everyone who knew Kaufman remembers her having a positive attitude that was infectious.
“Debbie loved Tiffany and she loved diamonds,” her memorial reads.
“But, most of all, she loved people and the relationships she formed. We will always remember Debbie for her brilliance, sparkle, and shine. She was truly one of a kind.”
Kaufman is survived by her mother, Jacqui Goldman; her father, Stuart Kaufman; and her son, K-Marcus Cruz-Kaufman.
To honor her memory, a scholarship fund is being established in Kaufman’s name at GIA. Those interested in donating to the fund can email debbiesGiafund@gmail.com.
A lifelong resident of New York state, Kaufman was raised as an only child in Scarsdale.
She fell in love with the industry at a young age after traveling to Miami to visit her family’s jewelry business.
Deborah Ann Kaufman
Despite having family in the business, Kaufman made her own way in the trade.
She waited on tables to pay for a degree from Baruch College in New York City, then enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Gemologist program to earn her G.G. and begin her journey in the world of gems and jewelry.
After earning her G.G., Kaufman did a short stint at the GIA laboratory before moving over to Tiffany & Co., where she would stay for 30 years.
Kaufman started in Tiffany’s jewelry crafting operation.
Eventually, her passion for diamonds drew her to the storied jeweler’s diamond acquisition team, where she performed multiple roles in the grading lab and buying office, eventually ascending to the position of director of diamond acquisition.
In a memorial penned by colleagues, Kaufman was described as a “bright light” with a big smile. She was approachable, open, kind, and fair.
She always found the best in others, said her colleagues, and everyone who knew Kaufman remembers her having a positive attitude that was infectious.
“Debbie loved Tiffany and she loved diamonds,” her memorial reads.
“But, most of all, she loved people and the relationships she formed. We will always remember Debbie for her brilliance, sparkle, and shine. She was truly one of a kind.”
Kaufman is survived by her mother, Jacqui Goldman; her father, Stuart Kaufman; and her son, K-Marcus Cruz-Kaufman.
To honor her memory, a scholarship fund is being established in Kaufman’s name at GIA. Those interested in donating to the fund can email debbiesGiafund@gmail.com.
More on Majors
The Latest
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
