Majors

Nan Lung Palmer, Donatella Zappieri Join Hill & Co.

MajorsJan 17, 2024

Nan Lung Palmer, Donatella Zappieri Join Hill & Co.

They both will serve as principal consultants, with Palmer based in the United States and Zappieri in Italy.

Donatella Zappieri and Nan Lung Palmer of Hill & Co.
Donatella Zappieri, left, and Nan Lung Palmer have joined management consulting firm Hill & Co.
New York—Hill & Co. is kicking off the new year with two new hires.

The management consulting firm announced Wednesday that it has welcomed Donatella Zappieri and Nan Lung Palmer to its team. 

The two have international experience in product, design, merchandising and sales.

Zappieri will serve as a principal consultant in Italy, where she lives.

She was formerly the head of international design for jewelry and watches for Swarovski before transitioning to consulting.

“It’s very exciting to be joining Hill & Co. and being part of a big international group of talented professionals,” she said, adding that she can provide access to a network in the Italian market.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the Hill & Co. team and exchanging ideas and supporting each other to give the best advice and guidance to our clients.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

Palmer, who is based in the United States and had been working with the Hill & Co. team since 2022, also joins the company as a principal consultant and a merchandising expert.

She has extensive experience in merchandising, working with brands like Macy’s and David Yurman for more than 20 years.

“Transparency, honesty, and an entrepreneurial spirit underscore my approach. I specialize in delivering customized merchandising solutions tailored for manufacturers, retailers, and jewelry brands. Those are the values on which I’ve built my businesses, and that’s what I’m excited to bring to Hill & Co.’s clients,” said Palmer.

Hill & Co. founder and CEO Elle Hill said, “I am consistently humbled by the caliber of talent that we have had the luxury of collaborating with as we support Hill & Co. clients.

“The evolution and growth of our team is more than just hiring new talent, it’s about attracting them with our work ethic and outcomes. It’s about creating a catalyst for the success of our clients’ businesses alongside Hill & Co.’s, as well as our industry's evolution in 2024 and beyond.”

Hill & Co. is a management consultancy that specializes in business growth strategies for brands and manufacturers in the diamond, gemstone, and jewelry industry.

The Latest

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, Luis Angel Alamo, of Joyeria Angelo’s in Chicago
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago

Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.

Ekapa mine
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing Workers

Owners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.

Renato Cipullo Splendente R Stone Letter Pendant
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into Hardstones

The “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Lady Wardington and diamond clip brooch
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s Jewelry

The jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.

Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rough diamonds from De Beers
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers Sale

The update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.

Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026

Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

5 Star Jewelry Simi Valley California
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry Heist

Each received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.

Catherine (Cathy) Aulick’s GIA Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award Winning Necklace Design
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual Award

Catherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

My Next Question podcast with Marion Fasel and Natalie Francisco
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report Says

The Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.

Rahaminov Diamonds Matriarch Campaign
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its Matriarch

The campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.

Borsheims Rachel Bennett
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award Winner

Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already Imposed

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

Sherry Smith, National Jeweler columnist and principal partner at The Retail Smiths
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail Smiths

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

Yafa Signed Jewels Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Earrings
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in Miami

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

Jin Lee Chrono24
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General Manager

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.

Eddie Sakamoto
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72

Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.

NYCJAOS spring show 2026
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring Show

The April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.

Dua Lipa Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New Ambassador

Bulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.

US Supreme Court building
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s Tariffs

In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry Sales

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

Boucheron Faisceaux Brooch
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A Museum

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy