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.

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.”
The Latest

A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.


At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.