Richline’s Dave Meleski Takes Over as RJC Chair
He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.

Dave Meleski, president and CEO of Richline Group, has stepped into the role, succeeding former Chair David Bouffard of Signet Jewelers, who is stepping down from his positions at both RJC and Signet in April.
Elected in 2018, Bouffard served two three-year terms as RJC chair.
Both Signet and Richline were founding members of the organization.
“I am excited to follow David Bouffard as chair and thank him for his leadership these past six years. I look forward to working with our entire board of directors to push the RJC to even greater reach in my term as chair,” said Meleski.
“It is a critical time for the RJC to continue to grow and lead the global supply chain in setting standards for our industry.”
Richline, he said, has worked to “promote the importance of the RJC as our singular voice for compliance standards since its inception.”
Bouffard, who also serves as Signet’s fellow of industry affairs, reflected on his time as RJC chair.
“It has been an honor to serve as the chair of the RJC for six years, a truly challenging yet rewarding experience of a lifetime, especially representing Signet, one of the RJC’s founding members,” he said.
Over the last 20 years, he said, companies like Signet and Richline have helped RJC to grow from the 14 founding members to its current membership of more than 1,800.
Melanie Grant, executive director of RJC, shared her gratitude to Bouffard.
“Thanks to David for providing great wisdom and support as chair during my first year as executive director,” she said. “I’ll be sad to see him go but excited at the prospect of this new era under Dave’s leadership as the RJC goes from strength to strength.”
Grant will report directly to Meleski while Edward Asscher will remain vice chair of the RJC.
The Latest

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

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

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

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

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

Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.

Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

The show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

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.

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.























