IJO Adds 3 New Board Members
The organization’s new president Stephen Barnes is also stepping down from the board.

The board is composed of 10 retail members and three vendor members.
The new retail member is John Herold of John Herold Jewelers in Randolph, New Jersey, and the new vendor members are Todd Bazar of Imperial Pearl; and Allison Peck of Brevani/Color Merchants.
The new additions will serve with current retail board members:
Nathan Regan of Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas;
Kari Johnson Smith of Champaign Jewelers in Champaign, Illinois;
Janelle Mead of Harris Jewelers in Rio Rancho, New Mexico;
Daniel Widmar of Rasmussen Diamonds in Racine, Wisconsin;
Cindi Haddad-Drew of Cindi’s Diamond & Jewelry Gallery in Foxboro, Massachusetts;
Rick Sanders of Sanders Jewelers in Gainesville, Florida;
Tia Daniel of Conti Jewelers in Endwell, New York;
Scott Stambaugh of Stambaugh Jewelers in Defiance, Ohio;
Joanne Osborne of Osborne Jewelers in Goodyear, Arizona;
and vendor board member Brecken Farnsworth of Parlé Jewelry Designs in Pocatello, Idaho.
“The input from these very creative, supportive members is invaluable, and many significant changes have taken place as a result of their contributions,” said IJO Owner and Chairman Jeff Roberts.
“Their leadership abilities have played a key role in this organization for a good number of years, and I look forward to working with our new appointees.”
Stephen Barnes of Barnes Jewelers in Goldsboro, North Carolina, who was recently named president of IJO, will be leaving the board.
“Since I have been named president of IJO, I felt I should step down from my role on the board, but I’ll be working closely with them,” said Barnes. “I’m excited and believe we can all make a difference. I have some lofty goals with a list of core values, and I’m happy to be in this position to help make things even better in the coming years.”
Members Jeff Wynkoop of Quality Gold in Fairfield, Ohio, and Kyle Pancis of Pancis Gems in Morris Plains, New Jersey are also rolling out.
“These outgoing board members have provided outstanding service to the IJO family, and they’ve been a great asset. I’m deeply grateful for their support,” said Roberts.
The board meets twice yearly at IJO conferences and is available for consultation throughout the year. New members will be welcomed at the organization’s next conference in Dallas, Texas, March 8-12.
For information on membership in IJO, visit the organization’s website or call Penny Palmer at 800-624-9252.
The Latest

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.


The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.

Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.

The auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.

Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.

Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.

Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

























