See Who’s in JA’s 2024 ‘20 Under 40’ Class
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.

The annual list, now in its third year, recognizes young professionals who show leadership skills and a commitment to innovating jewelry retail.
Chosen by a panel of industry judges, the recipients are under the age of 40 and employed by JA member retail stores.
“Jewelers of America is thrilled to welcome the next class of the ‘20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail’ and shine a spotlight on the talented individuals in our Jewelers of America member stores nationwide. So many of these professionals are already trailblazing and leading our future forward and we look forward to being part of their journey,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte.
The 2024 recipients are as follows:
Milana Arsakhanova, director of sales at Bellman Jewelers in Manchester, New Hampshire;
Grace Barretti, senior marketing manager at Greenwich St. Jewelers in New York, New York;
Jesse Dikes, store manager and boutique director at Weston Jewelers Hard Rock - Hublot Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida;
Jonathan Geller, president and CEO at D. Geller & Son in Atlanta, Georgia;
Paula Gracia, regional director at Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle, Washington;
Bobbi K. Hansen, director of merchandising at Fred Meyer Jewelers in Portland, Oregon;
Ilsa Heinicke Huscher, e-commerce manager at Borsheims in Omaha, Nebraska;
William Jones IV, co-founder of Jewelry Sales Academy and chief operating officer at Sissy’s Log Cabin in Pine Bluff, Arkansas;
Viviana Langhoff, fine jewelry designer and founder of Adornment and Theory in Chicago, Illinois;
Beau Maville, vice president of sales and marketing at Dutille's Jewelry Design Studio in Lebanon, New Hampshire;
Janina Messerlian, vice president at Baxter's Fine Jewelry in Warwick, Rhode Island;
Niki Novello, Graduate Gemologist at Cleveland Jewelry Designs in Lyndhurst, Ohio;
Megan Piccione, owner and president at Megan Piccione High Jewelry in Beachwood, Ohio;
Marina Pilibosian Bozabalian, vice president at Birmingham Jewelry in Sterling Heights, Michigan;
Talon Rasmussen, director of manufacturing at Rasmussen Jewelers in Spanish Fork, Utah;
Sara Reisz Sargent, co-owner at Summerwind Jewelers & Goldsmiths in Portsmouth, New Hampshire;
Amina Sorel, CEO and founder of Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry in New York, New York;
Alysa Teichman, owner at Ylang 23 in Dallas, Texas, and Wildlike in New York, New York;
Amelia Tuttle, website manager at Day’s Jewelers in Waterville, Maine; and
Troy Underwood, vice president at Underwoods Fine Jewelers in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
For more information about each of the 20 Under 40 recipients, visit the JA website.
The Latest

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.


“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.


























