The Future is Female: Zimmer Brothers Jewelers Celebrates 130th Anniversary, Names Jocelyn Zimmer First Female President

Fifth Generation Leader Spearheads Female-Focused and Ethically Sourced Partnerships and Initiatives in New Role

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (May 22, 2023) – Honoring its commitment to being a trusted jeweler and celebrating its storied, 130-year history, Zimmer Brothers Jewelers announced the appointment of Jocelyn Zimmer to president. The appointment marks the first female president of the fifth-generation family business, which has an iconic flagship location in Poughkeepsie and another boutique shop in Rhinebeck.

Zimmer joined the family business in 2001 and since has become deeply invested in the local Hudson Valley community through her involvement with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Arlington Business Improvement District, as well as several local nonprofit organizations. As a registered jeweler with the American Gem Society and continuing her education through the Gemological Institute of America, she brings over 20 years of experience in the fine jewelry trade to her new role – a position previously held by her father, Michael Gordon.

“The jewelry industry has always been a male-dominated profession, but women are continually breaking through,” said Zimmer. “It's an honor to be in a position where I can use my voice and actions to support and elevate causes that I care deeply about. And as the mom of two daughters, it’s even more special to reflect on what this represents for women in the industry.”

Spearheading initiatives she’s passionate about, and celebrating the business’ many milestones, is important to Zimmer. As such, she has initiated a partnership with Moyo Gems, an organization that directly supports colored gemstone mining regions, to curate one-of-a-kind pieces that will be handled by women throughout their entire journey – from mine to market. The pieces, which will be a part of the Zimmer Brothers Legacy Collection launching Summer 2023 in celebration of the 130th milestone, will feature a gemstone mined by a woman in East Africa, hand-selected by Zimmer and then cut and faceted by a woman in the United States. It will then be crafted by one of the jeweler’s featured female designers. With each purchase, 15% will be donated to Gem Legacy, a nonprofit organization that provides support, vocational training, entrepreneurship and community development to East African gem mining communities.

Additionally, as part of her inaugural initiatives, Zimmer has inked a partnership with Diamonds Do Good, another global nonprofit organization whose mission is to support programs that develop and empower those in natural diamond communities. The focus of the alliance is to put the 5th C, community, into a conversation around diamonds that typically focuses on cut, clarity, carats and color, so that Zimmer Brothers Jewelers customers ensure their purchases contribute to creating social and economic opportunity for everyone who comes in contact with diamonds along their journey.

“After serving 52 years at our family business, the last 15 as president, it prides me to pass the torch to someone so capable,” said Michael Gordon, former president, and member of the company’s board of directors. “I have seen Jocelyn grow with this business and know that she will not only bring her deep expertise to this role, but her heart.”

For more information about Zimmer Brothers Jewelers, visit www.zimmerbrothers.com.

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About Zimmer Brothers Jewelers:

Since 1893, Zimmer Brothers Jewelers has been a trusted fine jeweler in the Hudson Valley community. The fifth-generation family business, led by Jocelyn Zimmer, the company’s first female president, is a purveyor of one-of-a-kind jewelry, offering custom designs, repairs, appraisals and more at its two storefronts, in Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck, New York. The company is a member of the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, in addition to the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.zimmerbrothers.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.