TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
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
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
