Entrepreneur, author, editor, and long-time consultant to the jewellery industry Cindy Edelstein has died at the age of 51 of heart failure.
A well-known and popular figure among the trade, Edelstein began her career in the jewellery industry as JCK magazine’s fashion editor. By 1991, she founded the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau with her husband, Frank Stankus, after she decided she wanted to work directly with jewellery designers and help grow this segment of the industry.
Over the years, Edelstein took on various roles, including that of trade show consultant for the JCK, Couture, and AGTA events, as well creating her own designer-centric show, globalDESIGN.
A prolific writer about jewellery design, her byline could be found in numerous jewellery trade publications, as well as on industry online columns. With her husband, she co-wrote “Brilliance: Masterpieces from the American Jewelry Design Council.”
Facebook pages of industry friends and colleagues lit up with tributes when news of Edelstein’s passing began circulating.
- “Love you more than I know how to express, Cindy. I will treasure you forever”~ Jennifer Heebner, senior editor, JCK.
- “Tonight, I am left speechless and heartbroken by the passing of my friend, mentor, and icon Cindy Edelstein”¦ RIP, my Cindy.” ~ Helena Krodel, vice-president of public relations, LUXE Intelligence.
- “I’m devastated beyond words……I’ll miss you forever.”~ Erica Courtney, designer.
Edelstein was awarded the prestigious Benne Award by the American Jewelry Design Council in 1995, and was the 1996 winner of the Contemporary Design Group’s award as Best Designer Advocate. She was also a long-serving member of the board of the Women’s Jewelry Association. In 1990, she received that organization’s Award for Editorial Excellence, and in 2001 she was recognized again by the same group for her Excellence in Marketing.
Edelstein is survived by her husband Frank, daughter, Remy Sasha Stankus, stepson, Byron David Stankus, her brother, Philip Edelstein, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
