CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
MajorsMay 03, 2021
Tiffany’s Debbie Kaufman Remembered as a Bright Light With a Big Smile
The 30-year Tiffany & Co. veteran died unexpectedly in late March.
New York—Deborah Ann Kaufman, a longtime Tiffany executive known for her big smile and positive attitude, died unexpectedly March 26.
A lifelong resident of New York state, Kaufman was raised as an only child in Scarsdale.
She fell in love with the industry at a young age after traveling to Miami to visit her family’s jewelry business.
Despite having family in the business, Kaufman made her own way in the trade.
She waited on tables to pay for a degree from Baruch College in New York City, then enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Gemologist program to earn her G.G. and begin her journey in the world of gems and jewelry.
After earning her G.G., Kaufman did a short stint at the GIA laboratory before moving over to Tiffany & Co., where she would stay for 30 years.
Kaufman started in Tiffany’s jewelry crafting operation.
Eventually, her passion for diamonds drew her to the storied jeweler’s diamond acquisition team, where she performed multiple roles in the grading lab and buying office, eventually ascending to the position of director of diamond acquisition.
In a memorial penned by colleagues, Kaufman was described as a “bright light” with a big smile. She was approachable, open, kind, and fair.
She always found the best in others, said her colleagues, and everyone who knew Kaufman remembers her having a positive attitude that was infectious.
“Debbie loved Tiffany and she loved diamonds,” her memorial reads.
“But, most of all, she loved people and the relationships she formed. We will always remember Debbie for her brilliance, sparkle, and shine. She was truly one of a kind.”
Kaufman is survived by her mother, Jacqui Goldman; her father, Stuart Kaufman; and her son, K-Marcus Cruz-Kaufman.
To honor her memory, a scholarship fund is being established in Kaufman’s name at GIA. Those interested in donating to the fund can email debbiesGiafund@gmail.com.
A lifelong resident of New York state, Kaufman was raised as an only child in Scarsdale.
She fell in love with the industry at a young age after traveling to Miami to visit her family’s jewelry business.
Deborah Ann Kaufman
Despite having family in the business, Kaufman made her own way in the trade.
She waited on tables to pay for a degree from Baruch College in New York City, then enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Gemologist program to earn her G.G. and begin her journey in the world of gems and jewelry.
After earning her G.G., Kaufman did a short stint at the GIA laboratory before moving over to Tiffany & Co., where she would stay for 30 years.
Kaufman started in Tiffany’s jewelry crafting operation.
Eventually, her passion for diamonds drew her to the storied jeweler’s diamond acquisition team, where she performed multiple roles in the grading lab and buying office, eventually ascending to the position of director of diamond acquisition.
In a memorial penned by colleagues, Kaufman was described as a “bright light” with a big smile. She was approachable, open, kind, and fair.
She always found the best in others, said her colleagues, and everyone who knew Kaufman remembers her having a positive attitude that was infectious.
“Debbie loved Tiffany and she loved diamonds,” her memorial reads.
“But, most of all, she loved people and the relationships she formed. We will always remember Debbie for her brilliance, sparkle, and shine. She was truly one of a kind.”
Kaufman is survived by her mother, Jacqui Goldman; her father, Stuart Kaufman; and her son, K-Marcus Cruz-Kaufman.
To honor her memory, a scholarship fund is being established in Kaufman’s name at GIA. Those interested in donating to the fund can email debbiesGiafund@gmail.com.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
