Lewis Heyman retires after nearly three decades at Oscar Heyman

A white male in a blue golf shirt analyses coloured gemstones.
Lewis Heyman. Photo courtesy Oscar Heyman.

After nearly 30 years in the jewellery industry, Lewis Heyman has officially stepped down from his role as co-president and head stone buyer at Oscar Heyman, concluding his tenure at the end of June 2025. His retirement coincides with his 28th anniversary at the family business, known for its legacy in coloured gemstone fine jewellery.

Heyman, the grandson of company co-founder Harry Heyman, played a pivotal role in shaping Oscar Heyman’s global gemstone sourcing strategy. Leveraging his international background—including joining the Peace Corps after college and a graduate degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs—he forged partnerships with gem cutters and suppliers from countries spanning Australia to Switzerland. His travel-intensive work helped secure the vibrant, high-quality stones that became hallmarks of the Oscar Heyman brand.

Joining the company in 1997, Lewis quickly became instrumental in overseeing the acquisition and evaluation of gems, working closely with an internal team of specialists to maintain the brand’s standards. Under his guidance, Oscar Heyman expanded its reach in the global gem market, sourcing from renowned cutting centers in Colombia, Bangkok, and Sri Lanka, among others.

Beyond his day-to-day role, Heyman was also active within the jewelry trade. He represented Oscar Heyman in several industry organizations, including the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), the New York Gemstone Association (NYGA), and the 24 Karat Club.

Oscar Heyman, founded in 1912 by three Heyman brothers (Oscar, Nathan and Harry), continues to be family-operated. Over the years, Lewis worked alongside multiple generations of relatives, including his uncle and brother.

“We are grateful for Lewis’s unwavering commitment to excellence and the connections he has developed with the most reliable and trustworthy gem dealers around the world,” said Tom Heyman, president of Oscar Heyman. “Lewis will be missed, and his enthusiasm lives on in our gem acquisition team.”