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
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
