MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
IndependentsMar 27, 2019
After House Fire, Designer Raises Funds for Fire Dept.
Jewelry designer Theresa Kaz wants to give back to the volunteer fire department that risked everything for her home and family.
A shot from jewelry designer Theresa Kaz’s house after it burned down on March 22. Kaz is raising money for the Paramus Fire Department who helped her and her family on the day of the fire.
Paramus, N.J.—Jewelry designer Theresa Kaz had the unthinkable happen: on Friday, her house in New Jersey burned down.
After a candle caught the house on fire, the Paramus Fire Department jumped to action to put it out. One of the firefighters was familiar with Kaz’s family and, knowing they had a dog (but not knowing the dog was already out of the house safely) even ran into the burning house to save it.
Luckily, no one was hurt, but Kaz and her family lost everything.
And though it’s a lot for anyone to handle, Kaz said she’s been overwhelmed with the support of her community; strangers dropped off clothing for her kids, the Paramus mayor came to the house to assure them of their support, and much more.
There’s also been a strong response from the jewelry community, from messages of support to offers to help, and she said the kindness and outpouring from the industry has been heartwarming.
Kaz also said she can’t overstate the love she has for Ylang 23’s The Next Now competition, especially since finding out she was a finalist Thursday evening changed the trajectory of her Friday, putting her and her dog outside of the home in addition to the rest of the family on the day the fire happened.
It also meant that Kaz had, by chance, already taken her entire jewelry collection to her mom’s house to prepare for the competition, so it too was safe from the fire.
So while much has been taken, Kaz said the experience has also allowed her the opportunity to take stock of what’s really important in life—as long as family and friends are safe and healthy, the rest is simply material.
When industry members offered to start a GoFundMe page for Kaz and her family, she realized that what she really wanted to do was raise money for the fire department that had so selflessly helped her that day.
The Paramus Fire Department is a volunteer department made up of four fire companies with a total of 130 members on call around the clock 365 days a year. Some of the men who helped Kaz and her family on the day of the fire even left paying jobs to respond to the call.
With the donations, Kaz is hoping to provide them with funds to make their surroundings at the firehouse
more comfortable after a long day’s work.
The Contemporary Jewelry Design Group, of which Kaz is a member, has created the GoFundMe page, which is now live and accepting donations.
“There simply are no words to convey the appreciation, respect, and admiration we have and feel for our volunteer firefighters,” Kaz said. “I am still overwhelmed with emotion when I think of their bravery and selflessness. ‘Thank you’ just feels so inadequate.”
More on Independents
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
