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

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.


It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.























