Claire’s CEO Ryan Vero Steps Down
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Chris Cramer has been named interim CEO.

Ryan Vero was named head of the accessories chain in 2019, joining Claire’s after serving as president of Party City Retail Group.
The retailer did not give a reason for his departure, which was effective immediately. He also will vacate his position on the company’s board of managers.
During Vero’s tenure, Claire’s worked to expand its reach by partnering with other retailers including Walgreens and Kohl’s.
It overhauled its marketing and gave its piercing business a trendy makeover, all in an attempt to be more appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.
Vero also was head of the retailer when it announced plans to go public in late 2021, though it abandoned those plans in July 2023, citing market conditions.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Ryan for his service to Claire’s,” said Samantha Algaze, chair of Claire’s board of managers.
“As we look ahead, Claire’s is poised to build on its position as a powerful, global fashion brand and a true destination for today’s consumer.”
Claire’s named Chris Cramer as interim CEO, effective immediately.
Cramer is the company’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer. He joined Claire’s late last year following a short stint as president of Parade Inc., an intimates brand tailored to Gen Z.
Prior to Parade, he spent a total of 20 years at Bath & Body Works and its parent company, L Brands. He served as both COO and CFO of Bath & Body Works.
“I am honored to serve as interim CEO and appreciate the board’s confidence and support at this important time for Claire’s,” Cramer said.
“I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and the board to build on the company’s recent momentum, strengthen our relationships with our customers, partners, and employees, and further realize our growth potential.”
The Latest

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

Sponsored by Instappraise

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.


The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Expanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.

“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

Now called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.

It includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.