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
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
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.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
