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 owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.


NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

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

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
























