Events & AwardsAug 17, 2021
JFC to Hold Digital Lab-Grown Diamond Auction to Raise FundsMajorsOct 21, 2021
Jewelers for Children Elects New Board
Alan Zimmer is the newly elected board chair as Debra Puzio’s term ends.
Jewelers for Children has elected a new board of directors, naming Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer the chair.
New York—Jewelers for Children has announced its new board of directors, including a new board chair.
Reeds Jewelers CEO and President Alan Zimmer was elected board chair.
“It’s an honor to serve as the chair of Jewelers for Children and continue the amazing work of this organization and our entire industry,” said Zimmer in a press release.
Zimmer succeeded Debra Puzio, founder and creative director of StarLuxe Branding, after she completed her two-year term.
“The support from our donors has been amazing, helping to ensure we will be helping children in need for many years to come and following Debra who faced so many challenges during her term is truly humbling,” he added.
Puzio will now serve as immediate past chair and chair of the nominating committee.
The officers elected for one-year terms are as follows.
John White, vice president for charity program;
Jeffrey Cohen of Citizen Watch America, vice president for fundraising;
Eric Zuckerman of Pac Team Group, vice president for special programs;
Jenny Luker of Platinum Guild International, vice president of marketing and public relations;
Bill Luth of Signet Jewelers, secretary; and
Charles Stanley of Forevermark USA, treasurer.
The new directors elected to three-year terms include Matthijs Braakman of Smartwork Media, Joe Corey of Day’s Jewelers, Brandee Dallow of SCS Global Services, Bobbi Hansen of Fred Meyer Jewelers, Roopam Jain of Jewelmark, Ajay Javeri of Diamour, Martin Rapaport of Rapaport, and Dov Tannenbaum of Leo Schachter Diamonds.
Seven directors completed three-year terms and were elected to second terms.
They are Theresia Dschida of Claire’s, Nathan Dweck of Jacmel Jewelry, Beth Gerstein of Brilliant Earth, Sheri Ihde of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Dave Meleski of Richline Group, Craig Rottenberg of Long’s Jewelers ,and Craig Stern of Rogers Enterprises.
Those newly elected and re-elected began their terms on Oct.1, in line with JFC’s fiscal year.
Founded in 1999, Jewelers for Children has raised more than $58 million for programs that benefit children in need.
More on Majors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
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.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
