CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsAug 11, 2016
After designer’s death, Scott Kay Inc. to carry on
Scott Kay Inc. will reopen today after the unexpected death of the brand’s namesake designer last week, a man who is remembered as a pioneer in the jewelry industry.
Celebrated jewelry designer and innovator Scott Kay died of a heart attack Thursday at the age of 57.
New York--Scott Kay Inc. will reopen today after the unexpected death of the brand’s namesake designer last week, with the Kay family saying that the company will “forge on,” as Kay would have wanted.
Kay, one of the industry’s most celebrated and well-known designers, died of a heart attack in New York on Thursday. He was 57.
A giant physically as well as metaphorically in the world of jewelry, Kay’s eponymous company was celebrating its 30th year in business this year.
In an interview with National Jeweler this summer, the Brooklyn-bred jewelry-maker discussed how his recent suite of C-level hires would allow him to do what he really loved--create--and he named another well-known designer as his mentor: Henry Dunay.
On Monday, Dunay said he was going to “really going to miss” Kay.
He said he noticed early on that Kay was young and eager and had the talent to make it.
Dunay was right.
“He had a definite vision, and that helped his business become strong over the years because he followed it. That’s the key to having a good brand, and I didn’t see that change at all over the years,” Dunay said, adding that Kay was always one to “keep at it” and work hard to do whatever needed to be done for his business.
“I am really going to miss him. I think the industry has lost someone who is really passionate and strong.”
Among Kay’s many accomplishments was his work with both platinum and alternative metals.
The designer is credited with helping to resurrect platinum in the United States. He supported, and received support from, Platinum Guild International throughout his career, receiving the organization’s highest honor two years in a row.
PGI-USA Senior Vice President Jenny Luker call Kay a “true pioneer” in the industry. “He lived his life to the fullest, with passion and purpose. He was endeared by everyone at PGI, and he will truly be missed,” she said.
Kay also was the worldwide spokesperson for palladium and brought the alternative metal cobalt to the bridal industry. He retains the largest distribution of this contemporary metal in the designer category, according to the company.
He also is credited by Condé Nast’s Brides magazine for creating the first bridal jewelry advertisement more than 25 years ago.
Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, which just opened its second location in Omaha, Neb. this
year, is among the retailers that stocks Kay’s men’s wedding bands crafted in alternative metals.
On behalf of the retailer, CEO Karen Goracke said: “We are very saddened to hear of the news of the passing of Scott Kay. Scott was a devoted father and husband as well as true artist. He was an inspiration and leader in our industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and members of the Scott Kay team.”
After closing Friday, Kay’s Teaneck. N.J.-based company reopened Monday, with a message from Kay’s family posted on the company’s website, as well as on the company’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
In the statement (the full text of which is available above), his family said that while they were heartbroken by the loss, they would “forge on with passion, zest, a sense of humor and the stubbornness to ensure we ‘never compromise,’” which was Kay’s personal and professional motto.
Scott Kay Inc. made a number of key executive hires throughout 2014, adding a director of sales, chief merchandising officer and chief supply chain officer, all of which were new positions for the company.
These followed Kay’s decision to hire the first CEO in his company’s history in August 2013, former David Yurman executive David Minster.
Kay said during the earlier interview with National Jeweler that when Minster came on board last year one of his observations was that, “there’s so much runway here”--meaning that Kay didn’t lack for designs. “If I didn’t do another piece for 10 years, we’d have plenty of product to work with,” the designer said.
He also said in that same interview that the hire of Minster as well as the other executives “set him free” to do what he loved best: design, dream and create art.
“I really have just been in the business of trying to make beautiful things,” he said.
Kay is survived by his wife, Regina; his two daughters, Tiffany and Jordan; and his son, Troy.
Services took place at the Nanuet Hebrew Center in New City, N.Y. on Sunday. His family is asking that anyone wishing to commemorate his life do so with a donation to Jewelers for Children.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff contributed to this report.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This SummerThe retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in BrazilThe new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet JewelsThe pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.
