IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
MajorsMar 16, 2021
Industry Pillar Nate Light, Architect of Modern-Day Sterling Jewelers, Dies at 86
He grew the company from a chain of 32 stores to a national retailer with more than 1,000 doors.
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.—Longtime Sterling Jewelers executive Nathan “Nate” Light, a pillar of the industry who made the retailer the massive powerhouse it is today, died March 12 in Florida.
He was 86.
Light was born on Nov. 13, 1934.
After working for other jewelry retailers, he joined Sterling in 1977, when he was in his early 40s.
He was the driving force behind the acquisitions that grew the Akron, Ohio-based retailer from what it was then—a 32-store chain—to a giant, publicly traded company with more than 1,000 doors, 14,000 employees and annual revenues of nearly $1 billion.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Signet Jewelers Ltd. since 1987, Sterling’s banners include some of the most recognizable names in jewelry retail, like mall staple Kay Jewelers and the standalone Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores, which are pillars of Signet today.
Light was also a charitable man.
Beginning in the 1980s, he was active with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and helped to organize the industry’s “Party with a Purpose” at JCK Las Vegas in 1994.
The Party With a Purpose was the foundation for the annual, well-attended Facets for Hope gala still hosted by Jewelers for Children today.
Light was named to National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 1995, the same year he retired as Sterling’s CEO.
In 2016, what was then known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund presented its inaugural Diamonds Do Good Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing an individual who has promoted the importance of developing social purpose programs and charitable giving to help communities where the diamond industry does business.
Light was first recipient of this award since, DEF said at the time, he was someone who epitomized this ideal.
According to posts on an online memorial page and on social media, Light was a “people person” who was known for treating everyone with kindness and respect.
“I have never known any individual with his business sense, people skills or personality in my lifetime. Sterling Inc. was built upon Nate Light’s success,” one person wrote on the memorial page
Another stated: “Nate was truly the backbone of Sterling Jewelry. I remember one time him coming to distribution for a quick meeting. Seeing everyone standing and sitting around, he proceeded to drop to the ground and sit like everyone else.
“He never acted better than anyone else and that’s why we all liked him. God bless his family and loved ones.”
Signet Jewelers also provided a statement on Light’s passing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Nate’s family,” said David Bouffard, Signet’s vice president, corporate affairs.
“In honor of his contributions, and in line with the cause he cared deeply about, Signet’s Love Inspires Foundation has made a donation to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.”
He was 86.
Light was born on Nov. 13, 1934.
After working for other jewelry retailers, he joined Sterling in 1977, when he was in his early 40s.
He was the driving force behind the acquisitions that grew the Akron, Ohio-based retailer from what it was then—a 32-store chain—to a giant, publicly traded company with more than 1,000 doors, 14,000 employees and annual revenues of nearly $1 billion.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Signet Jewelers Ltd. since 1987, Sterling’s banners include some of the most recognizable names in jewelry retail, like mall staple Kay Jewelers and the standalone Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores, which are pillars of Signet today.
Light was also a charitable man.
Beginning in the 1980s, he was active with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and helped to organize the industry’s “Party with a Purpose” at JCK Las Vegas in 1994.
The Party With a Purpose was the foundation for the annual, well-attended Facets for Hope gala still hosted by Jewelers for Children today.
Light was named to National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 1995, the same year he retired as Sterling’s CEO.
In 2016, what was then known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund presented its inaugural Diamonds Do Good Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing an individual who has promoted the importance of developing social purpose programs and charitable giving to help communities where the diamond industry does business.
Light was first recipient of this award since, DEF said at the time, he was someone who epitomized this ideal.
According to posts on an online memorial page and on social media, Light was a “people person” who was known for treating everyone with kindness and respect.
“I have never known any individual with his business sense, people skills or personality in my lifetime. Sterling Inc. was built upon Nate Light’s success,” one person wrote on the memorial page
Another stated: “Nate was truly the backbone of Sterling Jewelry. I remember one time him coming to distribution for a quick meeting. Seeing everyone standing and sitting around, he proceeded to drop to the ground and sit like everyone else.
“He never acted better than anyone else and that’s why we all liked him. God bless his family and loved ones.”
Signet Jewelers also provided a statement on Light’s passing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Nate’s family,” said David Bouffard, Signet’s vice president, corporate affairs.
“In honor of his contributions, and in line with the cause he cared deeply about, Signet’s Love Inspires Foundation has made a donation to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.”
Light is survived by his wife, Candace; five children, Shelly and Michael Paolercio, Cheryl and Scott Golant, Mark and Andie Light, Alyse and Doug Storm, and Jared Light; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other loving family members.
The family held a private service for him on Monday in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Those who wish to honor Light can do so by donating to Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens, 7026 Fairview Lane, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, or to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 17279, Baltimore, MD 21297.
The family held a private service for him on Monday in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Those who wish to honor Light can do so by donating to Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens, 7026 Fairview Lane, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, or to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 17279, Baltimore, MD 21297.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
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.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
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.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
