CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
