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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
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.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
