RJC Elects New Member Forum Representatives
The elections took place at the organization’s recent annual general meeting.

Each director will represent his respective sector of the jewelry and watch supply chain.
The appointments are as follows:
— Raj Kumar Jain from Gemstones Corporation, representing the Diamonds and Gemstones Traders, Cutters and Polishers forum;
— Ankur Goyal from MMTC-PAMP, representing the Precious Metals traders, refiners and hedgers forum;
— Arien Gessner from Richline Group and Roger Forman from the Marathon Company, representing the Jewellery Manufacturer and/or Wholesaler forum;
— Pravin Pattni from Minar Jewellers, representing the Jewellery Retailer forum;
— Rajesh Neelakanta from BVC Logistics, representing the Service Industries forum (Neelakanta was re-elected); and
— Edward Asscher from the World Diamond Council, representing the Trade Association forum.
While it elected new board members at its annual meeting, RJC remains without a permanent executive director following the exit of Iris Van der Veken in late March.
She resigned over the organization’s failure to take a strong stance regarding Russian diamonds and to suspend Alrosa’s membership in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A number of major players left the group as well, including Pandora, Richemont, Kering and Watches of Switzerland, though RJC confirmed that all the Richemont and Kering brands—a grouping that includes names like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron—have returned.
John Hall, a former Rio Tinto executive and founding board member of RJC, stepped in as interim executive director in early April while Signet Jewelers Vice President of Corporate Affairs David Bouffard is serving his second term as RJC board chair.
An RJC spokesperson said the search for a permanent executive director is ongoing and noted there are some additional board vacancies the organization will be looking to fill “in due course.”
The Latest

Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.

Owners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.

A 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”


The jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.

The update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.

Each received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.

Catherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

The Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.

The campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.

Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.

Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.

The April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.

Bulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

JVC also announced the election of five new board members.

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
























