IndependentsJun 27, 2023
London Jewelers Names New COO IndependentsJul 31, 2023
Fourtané Names Former Hodinkee Exec COO
Russell Kelly will head to the West Coast to join the family-owned, California-based jeweler.
Russell Kelly (right) is the new chief operations officer at Fourtané. Josh Bonifas (left) is a member of the second and current generation to own the store.
New York—Fourtané has appointed former Hodinkee executive Russell Kelly as its chief operations officer.
In the newly created role, Kelly will be tasked with overseeing operations and the growth of the family-owned jeweler.
Fourtané was established in 1950 in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. It operates its historic flagship there as well as an official Rolex boutique in San Diego.
Prior to joining Fourtané, Kelly served as chief commercial officer at Hodinkee, leading the brand’s expansion into commercial operations and fueling its growth.
Before Hodinkee, he was with Tudor, helping to re-introduce the watch brand into the U.S. market.
Kelly has extensive experience in the watch industry, also having worked with brands like Vacheron Constantin and Blancpain.
“We are thrilled to have Russell join the Fourtané team at this crucial moment when our business is poised for significant growth,” said Josh Bonifas, a member of the second-generation of Fourtané’s family ownership.
“His unmatched expertise in brand experience, and his success in leading teams across digital and commercial operations, will prove to be invaluable for Fourtané as we continue to deliver the best service and experience we can for our visitors.”
As he heads to the West Coast, Kelly expressed his excitement at joining the family-owned company.
“I have always had tremendous respect and admiration for Fourtané and the impressive business that generations of the Bonifas family have built,” said Kelly.
“I could not be more excited with this unique opportunity to work with a best-in-class retail destination, in one of America’s truly iconic communities, and utilize my passion and industry experience to help maintain the highest level of attention to our clients.”
Related stories will be right here …
In the newly created role, Kelly will be tasked with overseeing operations and the growth of the family-owned jeweler.
Fourtané was established in 1950 in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. It operates its historic flagship there as well as an official Rolex boutique in San Diego.
Prior to joining Fourtané, Kelly served as chief commercial officer at Hodinkee, leading the brand’s expansion into commercial operations and fueling its growth.
Before Hodinkee, he was with Tudor, helping to re-introduce the watch brand into the U.S. market.
Kelly has extensive experience in the watch industry, also having worked with brands like Vacheron Constantin and Blancpain.
Fourtané’s historic flagship in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
“We are thrilled to have Russell join the Fourtané team at this crucial moment when our business is poised for significant growth,” said Josh Bonifas, a member of the second-generation of Fourtané’s family ownership.
“His unmatched expertise in brand experience, and his success in leading teams across digital and commercial operations, will prove to be invaluable for Fourtané as we continue to deliver the best service and experience we can for our visitors.”
As he heads to the West Coast, Kelly expressed his excitement at joining the family-owned company.
“I have always had tremendous respect and admiration for Fourtané and the impressive business that generations of the Bonifas family have built,” said Kelly.
“I could not be more excited with this unique opportunity to work with a best-in-class retail destination, in one of America’s truly iconic communities, and utilize my passion and industry experience to help maintain the highest level of attention to our clients.”
IndependentsMay 23, 2023
Pat Henneberry Joins Veer
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 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.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
