Policies & IssuesSep 20, 2023
Creating a Brighter Future for the Differently Abled MajorsOct 05, 2023
JFC Names New Executive Director
Sara Murphy will succeed David Rocha as he retires.
New York—As David Rocha retires, Jewelers for Children has appointed his replacement.
Sara Murphy is the organization’s new executive director. She will begin her role on Oct. 24.
Murphy boasts close to two decades of work experience for nonprofit organizations.
Most recently, she was the director of development at the New York City Anti-Violence Project, per her LinkedIn page. The organization aims to help members of the LGBTQ+ community and those affected by HIV who are survivors of violence.
Prior to that, she was the director of development at the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, an organization that aims to facilitate conversations about human rights injustices through the physical locations where abuses occurred.
Murphy has also worked in consulting for nonprofits.
Her career has encompassed fundraising, event planning, and organizational management, JFC said.
She has been involved in board development and volunteer activities.
Related stories will be right here …
Sara Murphy is the organization’s new executive director. She will begin her role on Oct. 24.
Murphy boasts close to two decades of work experience for nonprofit organizations.
Most recently, she was the director of development at the New York City Anti-Violence Project, per her LinkedIn page. The organization aims to help members of the LGBTQ+ community and those affected by HIV who are survivors of violence.
Prior to that, she was the director of development at the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, an organization that aims to facilitate conversations about human rights injustices through the physical locations where abuses occurred.
Murphy has also worked in consulting for nonprofits.
Her career has encompassed fundraising, event planning, and organizational management, JFC said.
She has been involved in board development and volunteer activities.
“Sara brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Jewelers for Children, and we could not have found a better candidate to help grow the charity in the years ahead,” said JFC Board Chair Jeffrey Cohen.
“Her knowledge of nonprofit organizations will allow her to immediately step into the role and continue to meet our mission of helping to enhance the lives of children.”
Murphy added, “I am honored to join Jewelers for Children and excited to build on the amazing work David has done over the last 19 years.
“The board of JFC is an incredible group of people ensuring that life-changing funds go to children who need them most, and I look forward to working with them to continue and grow our impact."
Founded in 1999, Jewelers for Children has raised more than $61 million from the U.S. jewelry industry for its partner organizations, all of which help children in need.
Outgoing Executive Director Rocha announced his retirement last month. Prior to his tenure at JFC, he was senior vice president of Jewelers of America and before that was deputy executive director at MJSA.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
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.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
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.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
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.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
