Jewelry Entrepreneur Nancy Brewer Dies

RAPAPORT… Jewelry manufacturer Nancy Brewer died in early August, according to a statement by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where she had been a board member for 10 years.

Brewer was the founder and CEO of jewelry-design company Nancy B. & Co. The firm was acquired by jewelry manufacturer B.A. Ballou in 2005, and is now a division of the Carla Corporation. She served on the GIA’s board of governors from 1997 to 2007, and played a major role in paving the way for women in the gem and jewelry industry, the institute said Friday.

“She was a remarkable woman and entrepreneur: brave, self-made, and one who gave back to our industry and fostered the development and success of her peers,” said Dione Kenyon, chair of the board of governors at the GIA. “I am one of many who are deeply grateful for the encouragement, support and leadership she provided over the course of her career.”

Brewer was on the boards of many industry organizations, including the Women’s Jewelry Association, the Jewelers Board of Trade, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and received a number of awards for lifetime achievement.


Image: Nancy Brewer. (GIA)