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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
