The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
Farmer’s Jewelry Matriarch Jean Farmer Dies at 92
She ran the longtime Lexington jewelry store alongside her husband for decades, then on her own after his death in 1989.

Lexington, Ky.—Longtime retailer Jean Harbett Farmer, who helmed Farmer’s Jewelry on her own after the death of her husband in 1989, died Jan. 27.
She was 92 years old.
Born in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Farmer was the daughter of the late William Tilford and Ethel Griffin Harbett.
She was a graduate of Henry Clay High School and Asbury College and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Her husband, the late William “Bill” Farmer Sr., opened Farmer’s Jewelry in Lexington in 1950.
The two met when Jean, working at a downtown jewelry store at the time, went into Farmer’s to browse for jewelry one day in 1955. She went in to buy a charm and came out with a request from Bill to come work with him during the holiday season.
They turned out to be a match on all accounts; the two married in 1957 and ran Farmer’s Jewelry together for more than 30 years, until Bill’s death in 1989.
Jean then became the matriarch of the business, running it alongside her two children, Bill Farmer Jr. and Kristi Farmer Lykins, both of whom helped around the store from a young age.
Jean told local news in an interview last year that she never considered closing the store after her husband’s passing, and in fact went into the store almost six days a week until health problems kept her from doing so last year.
Farmer’s Jewelry, an American Gem Society and Jewelers of America member store, remains in the same spot where it was founded but with an expanded footprint.
Jean’s son, Bill, told National Jeweler that he and his sister wouldn’t be where they are today in both the industry and the Lexington community without her day-to-day presence.

Farmer was known not only as the longtime head of the family business but also as a stalwart of the local community.
In fact, in 2017, former Lexington mayor Jim Gray presented her with a
She was preceded in death by two brothers, William Tilford Harbett Jr. and Elsworth Lee Harbett.
She is survived by son Bill Farmer Jr. (Kim); daughter, Kristi Farmer Lykins (Brian); and three grandchildren, William Farmer III, Shelby Lykins and Emma Lykins.
The Latest

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.


The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.