Gem Legacy Is Expanding Its Advisory Council
The nonprofit, which works to support and give back to gem mining communities in East Africa, has added seven new members to the council.

The new advisory council members are: Meghan Margewicz, event director of JCK Luxury; designer Lika Behar of Lika Behar Collection; Kate Donovan, executive director of the Accredited Gemologists Association; designer Jennifer Maxwell of Leigh Maxwell Jewelry; Elle Hill, founder and CEO of Hill & Co.; designer Debra Navarro of Debra Navarro Jewelry; and Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler.
They join the six existing members of the advisory council: Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems and Omi Privé; Jonathan and Brecken Farnsworth of Parlé Jewelry Designs; American Gem Society CEO Katherine Bodoh; Stuart Robertson, president of Gemworld International; and Sumit Dangi, chief financial officer and treasurer at Jewelers Mutual.
Gem Legacy’s advisory council members serve as ambassadors for the nonprofit and advocates for its initiatives.
The expanded council will endeavor to enroll new partners and collaborate with industry organizations and businesses to form alliances with Gem Legacy.
“The expansion of the Gem Legacy advisory council is an exciting step forward for our industry, for Gem Legacy, and for the communities and businesses the organization supports,” said Ben Smithee, who serves on Gem Legacy’s board of directors, which is responsible for day-to-day decision-making at the nonprofit.
“Our new advocates will lead the charge for a unified movement to support the communities that serve as the foundation of our industry.”
For more information about Gem Legacy, email rachel@gemlegacy.org or visit the organization’s website.
The Latest

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.


Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

The luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.

A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.

Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.























