JBT Elects New Chairman
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.

Brian D. Fleming, treasurer and executive vice president of Carla Corporation, was elected to serve a one-year term as board chairman. Fleming joined JBT’s board of directors in 1999.
The board also elected the following officers and directors to serve a one-year term.
Jeff Corey of H.E. Murdock Company Inc. (Day’s Jewelers) was elected as first vice-chairman while Keven Peck of Color Merchants will serve as second vice-chairman.
Erich Jacobs will continue to serve as president and treasurer while Brenda M. Pimentel will retain her role as secretary.
Andrew Rickard of Rochester Diamonds and Gold was also appointed to the JBT executive committee.
Lika Behmoaras, president of ISC Industries (Lika Behar Collection), was newly elected to the board for a two-year term. The jewelry designer and wholesaler also serves on the advisory board of Gem Legacy.
The following members have been re-elected to the board for a two-year term:
Ira Bergman, The Gordon Company;
Edward N. DeCristofaro, LDC, Inc.;
Teresa Frye, Techform Advanced Casting Tech;
Keven Peck, Color Merchants;
Andrew Rickard, Rochester Diamonds and Gold;
Parag Jain, Parag Diamonds; and
Roger Gesswein III, Paul H. Gesswein & Co.
Ann Arnold of Buyers International Group has also been elected to the advisory board for a two-year term.
Michael Kaplan of Rocket Jewelry Box and former JBT President Richard Weisenfeld have been re-elected to the advisory board for a two-year term.
The following board members will continue to serve their existing terms:
Matthijs Braakman, Retail Management Publishing;
Jeff Corey, H. E. Murdock Company Inc.;
Annie Doresca, Jewelers of America;
Brian D. Fleming, Carla Corporation;
Richard Katz, Richline Group;
Bryon Nelson, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company; and
Pinny Rubin, Quality Gold.
The organization held its elections at its annual meeting on Feb. 21 and its board meeting on March 20.
JBT is a not-for-profit organization that provides credit reporting and collections services.
The Latest

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.


Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

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

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

























