MajorsOct 05, 2023
JFC Names New Executive DirectorMajorsOct 06, 2023
Jewelers of America Names New Board Chair, Directors
The trade organization has welcomed three new members to its 2023-2024 board.
Jewelers of America has announced its new board for 2023-2024. From left, Coleman Clark is the new board chair while Constance Polamalu, Hunter Tivol McGrath, and Julie Keeney have been elected to serve three-year terms as directors.
New York—Jewelers of America has elected a new chair and executive committee, as well as new directors, to its board.
The directors were elected on Oct. 2 during JA’s annual general meeting, while the executive committee was elected the following day at its board of directors meeting.
Coleman Clark, President of B.C. Clark in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was chosen as chair.
His family-owned-and-operated store was founded in 1892 and has expanded to three locations.
Clark is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist. He has served on the Jewelers of America Board in several roles since 2012.
“I am proud to serve as the new Chair of the Jewelers of America Board of Directors. I look forward to serving alongside this talented group of individuals as we help JA continue to serve and represent our jewelry industry in powerful and meaningful ways,” said Clark.
The executive committee includes:
Matthew Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box, Chair-Elect;
Steve Padis of Padis Jewelers, Vice Chair;
Elise Greenberg of Greenberg’s Jewelers, Vice Chair;
Steve Velasquez of Madison Jewelers, Secretary;
Karen Goracke of Borsheims, Treasurer; and
Robert F. Moeller II of R. F. Moeller Jewelers, Immediate Past Chair.
“Jewelers of America’s Board of Directors advises the strategic direction of Jewelers of America and shares a passion for Jewelers of America’s mission to improve consumer confidence in the jewelry industry,” said the organization.
Each director’s company follows JA’s Code of Professional Practices through a commitment to professionalism and ethical business practices.
Related stories will be right here …
The directors were elected on Oct. 2 during JA’s annual general meeting, while the executive committee was elected the following day at its board of directors meeting.
Coleman Clark, President of B.C. Clark in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was chosen as chair.
His family-owned-and-operated store was founded in 1892 and has expanded to three locations.
Clark is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist. He has served on the Jewelers of America Board in several roles since 2012.
“I am proud to serve as the new Chair of the Jewelers of America Board of Directors. I look forward to serving alongside this talented group of individuals as we help JA continue to serve and represent our jewelry industry in powerful and meaningful ways,” said Clark.
The executive committee includes:
Matthew Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box, Chair-Elect;
Steve Padis of Padis Jewelers, Vice Chair;
Elise Greenberg of Greenberg’s Jewelers, Vice Chair;
Steve Velasquez of Madison Jewelers, Secretary;
Karen Goracke of Borsheims, Treasurer; and
Robert F. Moeller II of R. F. Moeller Jewelers, Immediate Past Chair.
“Jewelers of America’s Board of Directors advises the strategic direction of Jewelers of America and shares a passion for Jewelers of America’s mission to improve consumer confidence in the jewelry industry,” said the organization.
Each director’s company follows JA’s Code of Professional Practices through a commitment to professionalism and ethical business practices.
Three new directors have been elected for a three-year term.
Constance Polamalu, chief operating officer at Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis, Maryland, is new to the board. The American Samoan first-generation jeweler has 15 years of experience in jewelry retail, product development and leadership.
Polamalu was named one of JA’s “20 Under 40” and an “Emerging Designer” by Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz for her design venture, Birthright Foundry, in 2021.
Hunter Tivol McGrath of Tivol Jewelers in Kansas City, Missouri, is also a new addition. He is the fourth-generation CEO of the family business.
McGrath, who has accounting experience and a CPA designation, started as a sales associate and diamond buyer. He was later promoted to vice president, a role he served in for 8 years, before becoming CEO.
The third new director is Julie Keeney, vice president at Fred Meyer Jewelers in Portland, Oregon.
Keeney is DCA diamond and gemstone certified, a member of the Women’s Jewelry Association, a GIA alumna, and serves on the DCA Board.
In addition to those listed above, JA’s 2023-2024 board of directors includes:
Chad Berg, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry;
Lawrence Bock, Bachendorf's;
Jeffery Bolling, Jeffery B Jewelers;
Joseph Corey, Day's Jewelers;
Kim Crawford, Macy’s Inc.;
Krystle Craycraft, Jewelers Mutual Group;
Edward Dikes, Weston Jewelers;
Sue Hopeman, Robbins Brothers Jewelers;
Lenny Kramer, Leo Schachter;
Valerie Madison, Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry;
Robert Marks, Rogers Jewelry Co.;
Stan Razny, Razny Jewelers;
Tobey Ritchie, Harry Ritchie's;
Sherry Smith, The Edge Retail Academy; and
Tonia Leitzel Ulsh, Mountz Jewelers.
For more information, visit the JA website.
The Latest
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
