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
Three members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.
The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.
“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” dives into the watchmaker’s storied past, from its ad campaigns to the first women’s wristwatch.
Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
The new additions include flat coil rings, bracelets, and necklaces designed to layer elegantly.
The miner will be raffling off jewelry, donating all proceeds to reforestation efforts for some regions of America’s national forests.
Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.
A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.
Many lab-grown manufacturers in India are rethinking the earlier antagonism between lab-grown and natural diamonds.
For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
The designer has also released a new “Bow” collection, named after the act of bowing down as a sign of respect.
The "Lagos Studio" capsule collection offers elevated statement styles with eclectic designs.
Respondents also showed a greater preference for buying goods over services.
Emmanuel Raheb says your website should be as elegant as your store, with high-quality images and a smooth and secure checkout process.
The jewel, which was worn to two British coronations and may contain diamonds tied to Marie Antoinette, could sell for almost $3 million.
He is remembered as a family man with a love for the game of golf.
TJS has added presentations to its now three-day event schedule, which will take place next summer in Detroit.
Its commercial-quality sapphire, corundum, and ruby sale yielded “healthy” results, while its emerald auction was weaker than expected.
The expanded “Monique Lhuillier Bliss” collection features pink, blue, and yellow lab-grown diamonds.
Exhibitors can register now for the show, which is set for Jan. 9-13.
Lux Bond & Green President and CEO John Green is receiving the honor for his devotion and service to the jewelry industry.
The former owner of Timeless Jewelers in West Salem pleaded guilty to nearly two dozen counts of theft and aggravated theft.
The company is poised to make a big push for natural diamonds this holiday season.
Australian jeweler Linneys’ smiling gold Quokka statue holds a leaf pendant with Argyle pink diamonds that detaches, becoming a necklace.
The 2025-2026 edition of “Fine Jewelry” includes 1,000 new styles with an expanded selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry.
Smith addresses fears about a plateaued market with a reminder that retailers who do it right always will have room to grow.