Independents

JA Welcomes New Board Chair, Elects 5 New Directors

IndependentsAug 04, 2021

JA Welcomes New Board Chair, Elects 5 New Directors

Bob Moeller of R.F. Moeller Jeweler takes over as chair of the trade association’s board.

ActiveStorage-16630-20210804-2304191-1tbsszh.jpg
Jeffery Bolling
ActiveStorage-16631-20210804-2304191-19fbjy5.jpg
Kim Crawford
ActiveStorage-16629-20210804-2304191-1wulvhh.jpg
Edward Dikes
ActiveStorage-16633-20210804-2304191-1l5dex1.jpg
Valerie Madison
ActiveStorage-16632-20210804-2304191-1lgmezc.jpg
Tonia Leitzel Ulsh
View Slideshow
New York—Minnesota jeweler Robert (Bob) Moeller II is the new chair of Jewelers of America’s board of directors, succeeding Holly Wesche.

Moeller, the president and director of sales for R.F. Moeller Jeweler in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was elected at the trade association’s July 22 board meeting.

Moller grew up in the jewelry industry.

His father, Robert F. Moeller, founded R.F. Moeller in 1951.

Moeller II took over as president in 2006 and now oversees the company his father started. R.F. Moeller has two stores in the Twin Cities area.

He is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser.

In a press release announcing his election, Moeller said: “It is a privilege to serve as chair of the Jewelers of America board of directors.

“Jewelers of America has always fought for the jewelry industry and now more than ever, they are committed to helping their members succeed. I look forward to serving with the board.”

Moeller will lead an executive committee consisting of the following elected officers: Chair Elect Coleman Clark, BC Clark Jewelers; Vice Chair Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box; Vice Chair Craig Rottenberg, Long’s Jewelers; Treasurer Elise Greenberg, Greenberg’s Jewelers; Secretary Karen Goracke, Borsheims, and Past Chair Holly Wesche, Wesche Jewelers.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Elected alongside Moeller were five new directors, each of whom will serve a three-year term.

They are as follows.

Jeffery Bolling, president and owner, Jeffery B Jewelers, Denver. Bolling has more than 30 years of industry experience, and is the only Black full-service jeweler in Colorado. He’s proud to serve the community with his son by his side.

Kim Crawford, vice president divisional business manager, fine jewelry at Macy’s Inc., New York. A merchant executive with experience in buying, planning, assortment building and stores, Crawford has been with Macy’s for more than 20 years. She is responsible for omni-buying, execution and vendor partnerships.

Edward Dikes, founder and CEO, Weston Jewelers, Weston, Florida. Dikes grew up working in his father’s store. He and his wife opened Weston Jewelers in 2001, recently adding a second location in the Guitar Hotel. He is proud to welcome his children into the business.

Valerie Madison, owner, Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry, Seattle. Madison is a Black-Latina fine jewelry designer, owner, and creative director. She creates modern heirlooms using recycled metals, sustainably sourced diamonds and unique gemstones, celebrating her clients’ milestones and love stories in gold and precious gems.

Tonia Leitzel Ulsh, president, COO and co-owner, Mountz Jewelers, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Ulsh worked at her father’s store before opening Mountz Jewelers with her brother in 1989. She is active with a number of organizations, including the United Way and The Salvation Army, and serves on the Forevermark Leadership Council.

For the complete list of JA’s 2021-2022 board of directors, visit Jewelers.org
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

CIBJO Milan
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary Congress

This year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.

Michael M Beverly Hills Flagship Interior Rendering
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First Store

Beverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”

Dubai mall
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores

Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

JIS Miami Spring 2026
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends Talks

Nearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.

Spinelli Kilcollin Live Now. Polish Later. Campaign
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse Campaign

The “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.

Jennifer Ashworth
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand Director

The precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy