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

The new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.

The package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.


The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.

It will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

The annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

























