CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
IndependentsFeb 26, 2019
Farmer’s Jewelry Matriarch Jean Farmer Dies at 92
She ran the longtime Lexington jewelry store alongside her husband for decades, then on her own after his death in 1989.
Jean Harbett Farmer, who ran Kentucky jewelry store Farmer’s Jewelry with her husband for more than 30 years, died Jan. 27 at the age of 92.
Lexington, Ky.—Longtime retailer Jean Harbett Farmer, who helmed Farmer’s Jewelry on her own after the death of her husband in 1989, died Jan. 27.
She was 92 years old.
Born in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Farmer was the daughter of the late William Tilford and Ethel Griffin Harbett.
She was a graduate of Henry Clay High School and Asbury College and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Her husband, the late William “Bill” Farmer Sr., opened Farmer’s Jewelry in Lexington in 1950.
The two met when Jean, working at a downtown jewelry store at the time, went into Farmer’s to browse for jewelry one day in 1955. She went in to buy a charm and came out with a request from Bill to come work with him during the holiday season.
They turned out to be a match on all accounts; the two married in 1957 and ran Farmer’s Jewelry together for more than 30 years, until Bill’s death in 1989.
Jean then became the matriarch of the business, running it alongside her two children, Bill Farmer Jr. and Kristi Farmer Lykins, both of whom helped around the store from a young age.
Jean told local news in an interview last year that she never considered closing the store after her husband’s passing, and in fact went into the store almost six days a week until health problems kept her from doing so last year.
Farmer’s Jewelry, an American Gem Society and Jewelers of America member store, remains in the same spot where it was founded but with an expanded footprint.
Jean’s son, Bill, told National Jeweler that he and his sister wouldn’t be where they are today in both the industry and the Lexington community without her day-to-day presence.
Farmer was known not only as the longtime head of the family business but also as a stalwart of the local community.
In fact, in 2017, former Lexington mayor Jim Gray presented her with a
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
citywide proclamation to celebrate her 90th birthday.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, William Tilford Harbett Jr. and Elsworth Lee Harbett.
She is survived by son Bill Farmer Jr. (Kim); daughter, Kristi Farmer Lykins (Brian); and three grandchildren, William Farmer III, Shelby Lykins and Emma Lykins.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, William Tilford Harbett Jr. and Elsworth Lee Harbett.
She is survived by son Bill Farmer Jr. (Kim); daughter, Kristi Farmer Lykins (Brian); and three grandchildren, William Farmer III, Shelby Lykins and Emma Lykins.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
