Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
GIA’s Kathryn Kimmel to Retire This Month
In her 29 years with GIA, she helped establish the career fair and boost consumer confidence through education and outreach.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America announced Tuesday that Kathryn Kimmel, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, will retire this Friday, Aug. 30.
She has been with GIA for 29 years during which time she “built a remarkable and enduring legacy,” GIA said.
Kimmel played a critical part in shaping GIA’s domestic and international marketing, public relations and communications efforts, and also helped manage the launch of its digital presence with consumer and trade-facing websites.
Her “most visible achievement,” GIA said, was developing its ongoing consumer outreach campaign so shoppers would better understand the 4Cs and the importance of its independent gem identification and grading reports in trusting their purchases.
She also helped bridge the gap between the industry’s need for new talent and those looking for new opportunities by founding the GIA Jewelry Career Fair in 1991, which has since expanded to multiple locations, including India, Las Vegas, London and New York.
Also in 1991, Kimmel became co-chair of GIA’s International Gemological Symposium and a driving force behind the six it has held since, including the most recent in October.
“Kathryn opened doors and created opportunities in the gem and jewelry industry for so many women and men,” GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques said. “Her pioneering spirit and tenacity established the annual GIA Jewelry Career Fairs for GIA students and for tens of thousands of industry professionals looking for knowledge, development and advancement within the gem and jewelry industry.
“Millions of consumers across the world have confidence in their gem and jewelry purchases because she had the insight and drive to reach them with independent, credible and research-based knowledge about diamonds, colored stones and pearls.”
A third-generation member of the jewelry industry, Kimmel has experience in a broad range of areas, from working in retail as the managing director of Anthony Geml Jewelers in California to manufacturing as the customer service manager and, later, vice president of marketing and sales for Nova Stylings.
She is a founding member of the Women’s Jewelry Association and served on its national board for 20 years, and also is past president of the Los Angeles Chapter.
Kimmel also served on the boards of the Jewelry Industry Council and the 24 Karat Club of Southern California.
She has received several honors and awards for her work in the industry, including the YWCA’s Tribute to Women and Industry award, the American Gem
She is also a member of the WJA Hall of Fame.
“My heart will forever be with the students—seeing them study at GIA, coming to GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair and becoming industry leaders has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Kimmel said.
The Latest
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.