MajorsNov 30, 2021
Industry Veteran Heather Favali Joins Guild ConsultingMajorsDec 01, 2021
SJTA Announces 2022 Board of Directors
This includes a new role of show ambassador, to which three industry members have been appointed.
Atlanta—The Southern Jewelry Travelers Association, which produces the Atlanta Jewelry Show, has announced its 2022 board of directors.
The executive board is as follows.
-- President: Steve Binder, Lafonn;
-- Executive Vice President: Rhett Hartzog, Heera Moti;
-- Vice President: Tom Schlotman, Victor Corporation; and
-- Secretary-Treasurer: Joseph Tsui, Empire Corporation.
The directors are Elesa Dillon of Southern Jewelry & Mid-America Jewelry News, Lou Mazza of Raymond Mazza, and Allison Peck of Brevani/Color Merchants.
Jamie Schaller of Bulova and Ross Wesdorp of Jewel-Craft were appointed as advisors.
Additionally, new for this year, the SJTA created the role of show ambassador, charged with representing the group in a positive light, increasing community awareness and engagement, promoting AJS, and serving as a liaison between stakeholders and the association.
The following have been appointed to the new role: Rajesh Lalwani of Roma Designs, Allan Cagle of Soprafino and Brilliant Elements, and Suresh Mulani of Reko Settings.
The association held its elections for the board on Nov. 19.
“I am personally delighted to welcome such a strong group of board members, and I look forward to serving with each of them in the coming year,” Binder said.
“I’m also very pleased that this team will lead the next chapter of our work, as they have individually demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing SJTA’s mission, and we’re looking forward their leadership.”
Related stories will be right here …
The executive board is as follows.
-- President: Steve Binder, Lafonn;
-- Executive Vice President: Rhett Hartzog, Heera Moti;
-- Vice President: Tom Schlotman, Victor Corporation; and
-- Secretary-Treasurer: Joseph Tsui, Empire Corporation.
The directors are Elesa Dillon of Southern Jewelry & Mid-America Jewelry News, Lou Mazza of Raymond Mazza, and Allison Peck of Brevani/Color Merchants.
Jamie Schaller of Bulova and Ross Wesdorp of Jewel-Craft were appointed as advisors.
Additionally, new for this year, the SJTA created the role of show ambassador, charged with representing the group in a positive light, increasing community awareness and engagement, promoting AJS, and serving as a liaison between stakeholders and the association.
The following have been appointed to the new role: Rajesh Lalwani of Roma Designs, Allan Cagle of Soprafino and Brilliant Elements, and Suresh Mulani of Reko Settings.
The association held its elections for the board on Nov. 19.
“I am personally delighted to welcome such a strong group of board members, and I look forward to serving with each of them in the coming year,” Binder said.
“I’m also very pleased that this team will lead the next chapter of our work, as they have individually demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing SJTA’s mission, and we’re looking forward their leadership.”
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and FocusNow called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
