SourcingAug 21, 2023
Natural Diamond Council Names Head of PR, Communications 
IJO announced Stephen Barnes as its new president at its recent conference in Cleveland, Ohio.
Southport, Conn.— The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) has named Stephen Barnes its new president.
The announcement was first made at the organization’s conference in Cleveland, Ohio, where over 1,000 members were present.
In the announcement, IJO owner and chairman Jeff Roberts said, “For several years I have met with, interviewed and talked with several candidates for this position I wanted to fill, but no one possessed the qualities I was seeking until recently.”
“I was looking for some new blood to help drive IJO farther. Stephen is a bright, smart, and passionate individual with experience in running a successful and profitable retail jewelry store. His added expertise in succession and transition planning only adds to his long list of qualifications, and I have no doubt he will help make IJO a better, stronger, and even more successful organization.”
Barnes was previously a business advisor at Edge Retail Academy. He has been an IJO member for over two decades and is also the owner of Barnes Jewelers in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he will continue to live while also spending a few days a week at IJO headquarters, said IJO.
Related stories will be right here …
The announcement was first made at the organization’s conference in Cleveland, Ohio, where over 1,000 members were present.
In the announcement, IJO owner and chairman Jeff Roberts said, “For several years I have met with, interviewed and talked with several candidates for this position I wanted to fill, but no one possessed the qualities I was seeking until recently.”
“I was looking for some new blood to help drive IJO farther. Stephen is a bright, smart, and passionate individual with experience in running a successful and profitable retail jewelry store. His added expertise in succession and transition planning only adds to his long list of qualifications, and I have no doubt he will help make IJO a better, stronger, and even more successful organization.”
Barnes was previously a business advisor at Edge Retail Academy. He has been an IJO member for over two decades and is also the owner of Barnes Jewelers in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he will continue to live while also spending a few days a week at IJO headquarters, said IJO.
From the conference stage, Barnes said, “I’m so very fortunate to have had IJO as part of my life for nearly 25 years, and I have met so many amazing people along the way that have mentored, coached, and guided me into who I am today.”
“I owe a great deal of gratitude to all of you in this organization for pouring into me over these years. Through every step of my journey, I can see how it has prepared me for such a time as this. And I humbly thank Jeff for this opportunity.”
Barnes said some of his responsibilities will include revamping the educational programs, increasing opportunities for the Next Generation group, improving IJO’s technology resources, increasing marketing and advertising resources, creating an increased program for succession and store transition, and providing family-friendly shows.
“The vision of IJO is to enhance the lives of its members through the power of unity. Our goal is to grow stronger together and further solidify the integrity of our industry,” Barnes said. “IJO is a family that cares about each other, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to help make IJO even stronger for each and every member.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
MajorsAug 18, 2023
Tacori Names First Non-Family CEO 
MajorsAug 16, 2023
Jennifer Markas Joins Jewelers Mutual
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal OfficialThe formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.
ColumnistsFeb 25, 2025
Peter Smith: Here’s What I Think Retailers need to have the right merchandise, marketing, and people in place to stay on top in a sea of uncertainty, Peter Smith writes.
