Jewelry Consultant Kate Peterson Dies of Injuries from Home Fire

The jewelry industry is mourning the loss of Kate Peterson, a well-known consultant in the US, who died of injuries she suffered in a house fire, according to friends and family.

At 1 a.m. Sunday, a fire occurred on the street where Peterson and her family live in Gaithersburg, Maryland, local news sources reported. The fire injured four people and killed three dogs, according to the reports; one person was in critical condition and had to be resuscitated at the scene.

It soon emerged that the house was Peterson’s, and friends identified her, via social media and private exchanges, as the critically injured person. On Tuesday, a close friend who requested anonymity said Peterson was in an induced coma, having suffered significant burns.

Her son, Nick Peterson, announced the news of her death in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

“Earlier today, we said goodbye to the most amazing person this part of the planet has ever seen,” he wrote. “Kate Peterson, my mother, passed away this afternoon. Taken from us way too soon.”

He described her as “the smartest person I’ve ever known.”

Peterson founded her consulting business, Performance Concepts, in 1997. While her firm specialized in jewelry retail, it provided services to companies throughout the industry. She was a popular speaker and writer in the trade, appearing in numerous jewelry publications and events over the years.

“She lived her life on her terms, and wouldn’t let anyone tell her otherwise,” her son continued. “In the face of adversity, she built herself into a globally known professional in her industry. Always stopping to see, and appreciate, the world on her travels.”

Industry members expressed their shock and sadness, remembering her for her superb intelligence and her big heart. Aleah Arundale, founder of the Jewelers Helping Jewelers (JHJ) Facebook group, called Peterson “one of our industry’s greatest minds.”

The fire is under investigation, but there was no indication of carelessness or foul play, according to the news reports.

Image: Kate Peterson. (Performance Concepts)