SourcingJun 12, 2024
Bruce Cleaver Is Gemfields’ New ChairMajorsJun 20, 2024
Sara Yood Appointed JVC CEO As Tiffany Stevens Moves On
The leadership change at the organization charged with guiding the industry on legal issues will take effect next week.
Sara Yood, left, will become the new president, CEO, and general counsel of the JVC on June 24. She succeeds Tiffany Stevens, who is leaving the organization after seven and a half years.
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee announced Tuesday that Sara Yood will take over as president, CEO, and general counsel, succeeding Tiffany Stevens, who is leaving JVC to take another job in the industry.
The change will take effect June 24.
Yood has been with JVC since 2012, joining the organization following a fellowship at Fordham Law School’s Fashion Law Institute.
She served as assistant counsel before being promoted to senior counsel in 2016 and to deputy general counsel, her current position, in early 2021.
Yood has extensive experience in intellectual property law, fashion law, legal compliance, anti-money laundering regulations, and responsible sourcing.
She serves as secretary of the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority’s board of directors, is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Standards Committee, and is a participant in the Antiquities Coalition Financial Crimes Task Force.
“It’s an incredible honor to take on this role at JVC, where I have an opportunity to step into a leadership role previously modeled for me by two outstanding women in the jewelry industry,” she said, referring to Stevens and her predecessor, Cecilia Gardner.
“I look forward to building on the important work of the organization and ensuring that our membership is served by JVC’s unique place in the jewelry industry both serving the industry’s needs and playing an important advocacy role with governments.”
Related stories will be right here …
The change will take effect June 24.
Yood has been with JVC since 2012, joining the organization following a fellowship at Fordham Law School’s Fashion Law Institute.
She served as assistant counsel before being promoted to senior counsel in 2016 and to deputy general counsel, her current position, in early 2021.
Yood has extensive experience in intellectual property law, fashion law, legal compliance, anti-money laundering regulations, and responsible sourcing.
She serves as secretary of the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority’s board of directors, is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Standards Committee, and is a participant in the Antiquities Coalition Financial Crimes Task Force.
“It’s an incredible honor to take on this role at JVC, where I have an opportunity to step into a leadership role previously modeled for me by two outstanding women in the jewelry industry,” she said, referring to Stevens and her predecessor, Cecilia Gardner.
“I look forward to building on the important work of the organization and ensuring that our membership is served by JVC’s unique place in the jewelry industry both serving the industry’s needs and playing an important advocacy role with governments.”
Stevens joined JVC in 2017, coming to the jewelry industry from The Sohn Conference Foundation, which helps fund pediatric cancer research and medical fellowships.
During her time as head of the organization, JVC has been tasked with tackling a number of complicated and high-stakes issues, including the Federal Trade Commission’s 2018 revision of the Jewelry Guides, the disclosure and testing issues associated with the increasing presence of lab-grown diamonds in jewelry, and the sanctions on Russian diamonds imposed in early 2022.
Under Stevens’ watch, JVC also has worked to reshape its relationships across government and to bring jewelry’s voice into the luxury conversation.
“I’m excited for Sara and the team to continue the really good momentum we’ve built together,” Stevens told National Jeweler on Tuesday. “It was an honor to carry the torch for seven and a half years in the 100-year-plus lifespan of JVC. It will be a smooth transition.”
Stevens is leaving to take another role in the industry, though she cannot currently disclose where she is going.
“I’ve transformed the organization but the organization has transformed me too. I’ve learned so much,” she said.
“I’m grateful to the trade for welcoming me so warmly and I look forward to carrying forward the values of ethics and integrity into my next role.”
More on Majors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to MiamiThe 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
