JBT Names Richard Katz Board Chairman
Katz has volunteered on the nonprofit’s board since 2008.

Richard Katz, senior vice president of Richline Group, Inc., was named chairman of the board at JBT’s annual meeting on Feb. 9 and at its board meeting on March 9.
Katz has volunteered on JBT’s board since 2008, most recently serving as its vice chairman.
He succeeds Ann Arnold, chief strategic officer at Buyers International Group.
“I am honored to serve at the helm of this board working together with some of the brightest and dedicated individuals in the industry,” said Katz.
“JBT is uniquely positioned to help companies in this industry better know their customers and suppliers.”
JBT President Erich Jacobs said, “Richard brings great perspective to JBT’s strategies and operations. His industry background and prior service on the JBT board will help us meet the growing demand for industry transparency.”
The company’s board also elected the following officers and directors to serve a one-year term.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation will serve as first vice-chairman while Jeffery Corey of H.E. Murdock Company Inc. will be second vice-chairman.
Erich Jacobs will continue to serve as president as well as treasurer, while Brenda M. Pimetal will serve as secretary.
Nilesh Sheth of Forever Collections Inc. was appointed to the JBT Executive Committee.
Roger Gesswein III of Paul H. Gesswein & Company. Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of tools and equipment for the jewelry industry, was newly elected to the board for a two-year term.
Gesswein is a current board member of the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York and serves as market development manager at the Gesswein Company.
The following were re-elected to the board for a two-year period:
• Ann S. Arnold, Buyers International Group
• Ira Bergman, The Gordon Company, Inc.
• Edward N. DeCristofaro, LDC, Inc.
• Teresa Frye, Techform Advanced Casting Tech., L.L.C.
• Keven Peck, Color Merchants, Inc.
• Andrew Rickard, Rochester Diamonds and Gold, Inc.
Michael Kaplan of Rocket Jewelry Box Inc. was elected to a two-year period on the advisory board while Richard Weisenfeld was re-elected for a two-year period.
The following board members will continue to serve their existing terms:
• Matthijs Braakman, Retail Management Publishing, Inc.
• Tim Coggins, Bank Rhode Island
• Jeffery Corey, H. E. Murdock Company Inc.
• Brian D. Fleming, Carla Corporation
• Bryon Nelson, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company
• Pinny Rubin, Quality Gold Inc.
The Jewelers Board of Trade is a not-for-profit organization that provides credit reporting and collections services.
The Latest

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.


The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.























