John Hardy Hires Aida Alvarez as SVP
A jewelry industry veteran, Alvarez’s experience includes senior roles at Birks & Mayors, CD Peacock, and Roberto Coin.

In her new role, Alvarez will lead John Hardy’s wholesale business and help to grow the segment, as well as to bolster its revenue streams in retail and the Caribbean and through licensing.
Alvarez has more than 25 years of experience in the luxury goods industry, including senior roles at Birks & Mayors, now known as Birks Group, and CD Peacock.
She also served as a senior vice president at Roberto Coin for seven years.
She will report to John Hardy CEO Jan-Patrick Schmitz, who joined the company in August.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Aida to the John Hardy executive team and partner with her to propel our growth across the retail and wholesale channels,” said Schmitz. “She is a true leader in the luxury jewelry space, having driven top-line sales and profitability for renowned brands as well as multi-store retailers for more than 25 years.”
Alvarez said throughout her career in the luxury jewelry sector, she has admired the brand’s “rich and unique heritage and commitment to artisanal design.”
Reed Krakoff, former head of design at Tiffany & Co., joined John Hardy as creative chairman in September 2022.
“Earlier this year, I saw a different John Hardy begin to emerge with a new look and design direction that felt both modern and fresh while continuing to celebrate the brand’s authority in handmade jewelry. The excitement for the brand is greater than ever, and I’m honored to join the team as we continue to build and share the reimagined John Hardy,” said Alvarez.
The Latest

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.

The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.


Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.