WatchesJul 15, 2022
Diane James Joins WatchBox as Director of Strategic BrandsIndependentsJul 19, 2022
Jocalio Appoints Industry Veteran as Head of Product and Merchandising
Yun Yang is a David Yurman, Lightbox, and John Hardy alumna.
Yun Yang has 20 years of experience in merchandising and buying for jewelry companies like David Yurman.
New York—Jewelry supplier Jocalio has appointed Yun Yang as its head of product and merchandising.
Yang is a retail veteran with two decades of experience in merchandising and buying.
She has held positions at David Yurman, John Hardy, Lightbox, Diane von Furstenberg, and Vera Wang, and is an expert in the domestic market as well as in international markets including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
At Lightbox Jewelry, Yang served as chief merchandising officer. She oversaw the DeBeers-owned lab-grown diamond company’s launch and spearheaded strategy across merchandising, design, product development, and demand planning.
At David Yurman and John Hardy, Yang oversaw merchandising and buying. At both companies she increased sales in the men’s collections and managed the women’s and bridal collections.
She collaborated with design teams to streamline product offerings at the retail and wholesale levels.
Launched in 2017, Jocalio is a jewelry supplier that offers consumer marketing for the independent jewelry retailer.
The company designs jewelry collections based on market trend analysis and matching a store’s customer demographics.
Design based on data and analytics resonated with Yang, she said.
“My practice motto is, ‘I use data to support and initiate my creative decisions.’ And when I met the Jocalio team, I thought, ‘What a breath of fresh air—someone is finally utilizing data when creating collections!’”
Jocalio Founder and CEO Val Katayev said, “Yun’s addition to the Jocalio team marks yet another milestone in our company development. With Yun leading the product and merchandising team, we continue to elevate our ability to empower independent jewelers through a unique blend of design and data that drives our company. It’s all about jewelry that looks amazing yet is also made to turn effectively.”
Jocalio was ranked No. 134 on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list in 2021 and was the highest-ranked jewelry company on the list.
Related stories will be right here …
Yang is a retail veteran with two decades of experience in merchandising and buying.
She has held positions at David Yurman, John Hardy, Lightbox, Diane von Furstenberg, and Vera Wang, and is an expert in the domestic market as well as in international markets including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
At Lightbox Jewelry, Yang served as chief merchandising officer. She oversaw the DeBeers-owned lab-grown diamond company’s launch and spearheaded strategy across merchandising, design, product development, and demand planning.
At David Yurman and John Hardy, Yang oversaw merchandising and buying. At both companies she increased sales in the men’s collections and managed the women’s and bridal collections.
She collaborated with design teams to streamline product offerings at the retail and wholesale levels.
Launched in 2017, Jocalio is a jewelry supplier that offers consumer marketing for the independent jewelry retailer.
The company designs jewelry collections based on market trend analysis and matching a store’s customer demographics.
Design based on data and analytics resonated with Yang, she said.
“My practice motto is, ‘I use data to support and initiate my creative decisions.’ And when I met the Jocalio team, I thought, ‘What a breath of fresh air—someone is finally utilizing data when creating collections!’”
Jocalio Founder and CEO Val Katayev said, “Yun’s addition to the Jocalio team marks yet another milestone in our company development. With Yun leading the product and merchandising team, we continue to elevate our ability to empower independent jewelers through a unique blend of design and data that drives our company. It’s all about jewelry that looks amazing yet is also made to turn effectively.”
Jocalio was ranked No. 134 on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list in 2021 and was the highest-ranked jewelry company on the list.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
