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

Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.

Owners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.

The “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.


The update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.

Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Each received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.

Catherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

The Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.

The campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.

Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.

Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.

The April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.

Bulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.

In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
























