Becka Johnson Kibby Promoted to VP at The Edge Retail Academy
The industry veteran, who’s been with ERA for nearly a decade, will oversee sales, consulting and data operations.

In her new role, Kibby will oversee the company’s sales, consulting and data operations and manage its team of employees.
She previously served as director of sales and operations, and will continue to be the company’s go-to person on sales and services to retailers.
“This promotion recognizes the huge contribution Becka makes year-round to our growing team and our clients,” said David Brown, Edge Retail Academy president. “In my opinion, we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for her leadership, combined with her meticulous planning and attention to detail.”
Dick Abbott, co-owner of Edge Retail Academy and president of The Edge, said, “Becka is loyal and committed, and capable of carrying on the company goals for David Brown and myself.”
Kibby has more than three decades of experience in jewelry sales, management, and training. She will celebrate her 10th anniversary at Edge Retail Academy next month.
Previously, she worked for Robbins Brothers, Helzberg Diamonds, and Jay B Rudolph.
“I look forward to continuing to lead the Edge Retail Academy’s team of talented employees, as well as further develop our programs and platforms, to better serve our clients and fuel our growth,” said Kibby.
She is a Graduate Gemologist and has worked as an instructor at the Gemological Institute of America and served on its Program Advisory Committee.
Kibby also held a position on the international board of directors for the Women’s Jewelry Association and received WJA’s 2015 Award for Excellence in the Special Services category.
The Edge Retail Academy provides jewelry business consulting services, using real-time aggregated data to improve sales and profitability.
The Latest

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

In the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.

The 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.


The expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.

The lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.

Two suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.

Finsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.

Michel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.

Longtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.

The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.

Jamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.

Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.

QVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.

The brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.

Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Cloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.

Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

The “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.






















