MajorsJan 25, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Hires Former Amazon Loss Prevention Exec IndependentsFeb 05, 2024
IJO Adds 3 New Board Members
The organization’s new president Stephen Barnes is also stepping down from the board.
The IJO Board of Directors has three new members: (left to right) John Herold of John Herold Jewelers; Todd Bazar of Imperial Pearl; and Allison Peck of Brevani/Color Merchants.
Southport, Conn.—The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) has added three new members to its board of directors.
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.”
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
