Events & AwardsMar 02, 2022
WJA Foundation Announces Grant WinnersEvents & AwardsMar 09, 2022
Meet JA’s Inaugural Jewelry Retail ‘20 Under 40’
It’s a who’s who of top retail talents nationwide.
Meet Jewelers of America’s inaugural group of “20 Under 40” jewelry retail talents. JA members nominated honorees to the list.
New York—Jewelers of America asked the jewelry industry to pinpoint rising retail talents, and they’ve answered.
The trade organization has announced its inaugural “20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail List.” It recognizes professionals who exemplify leadership and a commitment to elevating jewelry retail for consumers, JA said.
Retail members of the organization could nominate themselves or others for the list. A panel of industry judges selected the 20 honorees from the nationwide applications.
They chose individuals who exemplify the ability to lead, innovate, and improve a jewelry store’s success.
All employees of Jewelers of America Member retail stores, their roles range from top executives and managers to designers, marketers, and bench jewelers.
JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said: “Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail List was designed to recognize young and talented individuals in all facets of the retail jewelry industry. These recipients will pave the way for a brighter future and the next generation of jewelry industry professionals.”
The 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail List honorees for 2022 are:
• Wes Anderson, Co-owner, Manager and Designer of T.K. Anderson Designs, Athens, Georgia
• Erin Bacher, Store Manager of J. Bacher Fine Jewelry, Harrisburg, IL
• Chad Berg, Co-Owner and Co-President of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Stephanie Binder, Founder and CEO of Boston Diamond Company, Boston, Massachusetts
• Christian Bolling, Jewelry Designer of Christian Stone and Jeffery B. Jewelers, Denver, Colorado
• Andy Brabec, Director of Marketing and E-commerce of Borsheims, Omaha, Nebraska
• Lisa Bridge, President and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, Seattle, Washington
• Amanda Coleman-Phelps, Presidentand Owner of Nelson Coleman Jewelers & Jewelry By Designs, Towson, Maryland
• Joseph Corey, President of Day’s Jewelers, Waterville, Maine
• Isabelle Corvin, Staff Gemologist and Merchandising Manager of Panowicz Jewelers, Olympia, Washington
• Katherine Dahlkemper, Assistant Manager of Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection, Erie, Pennsylvania
• Jordan Dubin, Co-Owner of Dubin's Fine Jewelry, Houston, TX
• Jessica Gylsen, Store Manager and Diamond Department Manager of Wixon Jewelers, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Alexandra Hevia Schlindwein, Marketing Director of Kiefer Jewelers, Lutz, Florida
• Trisha Kennedy-Thompson, Co-Owner of Kennedy’s Jewelers, Blue Springs, Missouri
• Valerie Madison, Owner and Creative Director of Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry, Seattle, Washington
• Alexis Padis, President of Padis Jewelry, San Francisco, California
• Constance Polamalu, COO of Zachary's Jewelers, Annapolis, Maryland
• Lauren Priori, Owner of L. Priori Jewelry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Andrew Siegel, COO of Hamilton Jewelers, Princeton, New Jersey
More information on the list is available on the JA website.
Related stories will be right here …
The trade organization has announced its inaugural “20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail List.” It recognizes professionals who exemplify leadership and a commitment to elevating jewelry retail for consumers, JA said.
Retail members of the organization could nominate themselves or others for the list. A panel of industry judges selected the 20 honorees from the nationwide applications.
They chose individuals who exemplify the ability to lead, innovate, and improve a jewelry store’s success.
All employees of Jewelers of America Member retail stores, their roles range from top executives and managers to designers, marketers, and bench jewelers.
JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said: “Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail List was designed to recognize young and talented individuals in all facets of the retail jewelry industry. These recipients will pave the way for a brighter future and the next generation of jewelry industry professionals.”
The 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail List honorees for 2022 are:
• Wes Anderson, Co-owner, Manager and Designer of T.K. Anderson Designs, Athens, Georgia
• Erin Bacher, Store Manager of J. Bacher Fine Jewelry, Harrisburg, IL
• Chad Berg, Co-Owner and Co-President of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Stephanie Binder, Founder and CEO of Boston Diamond Company, Boston, Massachusetts
• Christian Bolling, Jewelry Designer of Christian Stone and Jeffery B. Jewelers, Denver, Colorado
• Andy Brabec, Director of Marketing and E-commerce of Borsheims, Omaha, Nebraska
• Lisa Bridge, President and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, Seattle, Washington
• Amanda Coleman-Phelps, Presidentand Owner of Nelson Coleman Jewelers & Jewelry By Designs, Towson, Maryland
• Joseph Corey, President of Day’s Jewelers, Waterville, Maine
• Isabelle Corvin, Staff Gemologist and Merchandising Manager of Panowicz Jewelers, Olympia, Washington
• Katherine Dahlkemper, Assistant Manager of Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection, Erie, Pennsylvania
• Jordan Dubin, Co-Owner of Dubin's Fine Jewelry, Houston, TX
• Jessica Gylsen, Store Manager and Diamond Department Manager of Wixon Jewelers, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Alexandra Hevia Schlindwein, Marketing Director of Kiefer Jewelers, Lutz, Florida
• Trisha Kennedy-Thompson, Co-Owner of Kennedy’s Jewelers, Blue Springs, Missouri
• Valerie Madison, Owner and Creative Director of Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry, Seattle, Washington
• Alexis Padis, President of Padis Jewelry, San Francisco, California
• Constance Polamalu, COO of Zachary's Jewelers, Annapolis, Maryland
• Lauren Priori, Owner of L. Priori Jewelry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Andrew Siegel, COO of Hamilton Jewelers, Princeton, New Jersey
More information on the list is available on the JA website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
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.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
