MajorsAug 02, 2021
Sam Sandberg Elected President of The Plumb ClubIndependentsAug 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.
PHOTO Robert (Bob) Moeller II
PHOTO Jeffery Bolling
PHOTO Kim Crawford
PHOTO Edward Dikes
PHOTO Valerie Madison
PHOTO Tonia Leitzel Ulsh
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 …
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.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
