24 Karat Club of New York Names New President
The organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.

Steven Lagos, founder of jewelry brand Lagos, is the organization’s new president.
Michael Benavente, managing director of the Bulova Corp. watch brands, was elected vice president.
Monica Elias, president of Elias World Media, was elected to the board as a new director.
Jeffrey Cohen, CEO of Citizen Watch America, will continue in his three-year term as chairperson.
“It is my esteemed pleasure to chair the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York. I am proud to lead this organization and its distinguished members,” said Cohen.
“As an organization we will benefit this year from the perspective of our new officers, Steve Lagos, president, and Michael Benavente, vice president, along with the rich experience of our re-elected officers and directors.”
Several officers were re-elected.
Jeffrey Bergam, vice president of accounting and finance at Gold Star Jewellery, will once again serve as treasurer.
John Kennedy, former president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, will serve as secretary.
The following members will continue as directors:
Sarin Bachmann, group vice president, RX Jewelry Portfolio;
Edward DeCristofaro, president, LDC Corp.;
Nathalie Diamantis, CEO, Pomellato Americas;
Glenn Markman, president and CEO, Facets of Fire Diamonds;
Stacie Orloff, vice president of sales, Marina B;
Charles Stanley, board advisor, Consensus;
Ronnie VanderLinden, owner, Diamex Inc.; and
Eric Zuckerman, CEO, Pac Team Group.
“This incredible leadership team, along with our eminent members, will continue to shepherd collaboration, conversation, and relationships that benefit the jewelry industry, facilitate growth, and advance the industry’s interests,” said Cohen.
The organization also recently announced five newly elected members.
The 24 Karat Club of New York will host its annual banquet on March 15 at Cipriani South Street.
The Latest

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

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

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.


The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

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

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

Natalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
























