MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New PresidentIndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJO
After more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Stephen Barnes, who has been an IJO leader for many years and was appointed president in 2023, is now taking over as owner of the organization.
Palm Springs, Calif.—The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) has a new owner, Stephen Barnes.
The announcement was made by outgoing owner Jeff Roberts during IJO’s semi-annual conference in Palm Springs, California.
“Stephen has been an integral part of the IJO family for over 25 years and has played a vital role in our organization’s success,” said Roberts.
“When I appointed him as president in August 2023, I was seeking fresh leadership to propel IJO into the future. Since then, he has demonstrated remarkable vision and dedication, making his transition to owner both natural and exciting. I have no doubt he will lead IJO to even greater heights.”
Barnes has been a longtime IJO leader with a track record of success, said the organization, which makes IJO poised for an exciting new era of expansion and innovation.
He entered the jewelry industry at an early age as a craftsman. He mastered hand engraving, watch repair, and jewelry restoration and created award-winning jewelry designs.
Barnes has over 35 years of experience in retail jewelry, having managed his family’s multi-store business and operated his own store as an absentee owner. His expertise includes business growth, financial strategy, and transition management.
He is also a consultant who has helped businesses develop systems, tools, and processes to drive long-term success.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Mt. Olive, is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, and holds the title of Master Graduate Gemologist from IJO—the latter of which is held by less than 40 professionals worldwide, said IJO.
“IJO’s strength is our unity. As we move forward, we will continue to elevate the industry while upholding the highest standards of integrity and innovation. Since stepping into leadership, I have focused on modernizing our educational programs, expanding IJO teams, and enhancing next generation initiatives,” said Barnes.
“I look forward to connecting [with] all our members on a more personal level over the next few months to better understand how we can help them continue to grow. I’m truly honored to lead IJO into this exciting new chapter.”
Related stories will be right here …
The announcement was made by outgoing owner Jeff Roberts during IJO’s semi-annual conference in Palm Springs, California.
“Stephen has been an integral part of the IJO family for over 25 years and has played a vital role in our organization’s success,” said Roberts.
“When I appointed him as president in August 2023, I was seeking fresh leadership to propel IJO into the future. Since then, he has demonstrated remarkable vision and dedication, making his transition to owner both natural and exciting. I have no doubt he will lead IJO to even greater heights.”
Barnes has been a longtime IJO leader with a track record of success, said the organization, which makes IJO poised for an exciting new era of expansion and innovation.
He entered the jewelry industry at an early age as a craftsman. He mastered hand engraving, watch repair, and jewelry restoration and created award-winning jewelry designs.
Barnes has over 35 years of experience in retail jewelry, having managed his family’s multi-store business and operated his own store as an absentee owner. His expertise includes business growth, financial strategy, and transition management.
He is also a consultant who has helped businesses develop systems, tools, and processes to drive long-term success.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Mt. Olive, is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, and holds the title of Master Graduate Gemologist from IJO—the latter of which is held by less than 40 professionals worldwide, said IJO.
“IJO’s strength is our unity. As we move forward, we will continue to elevate the industry while upholding the highest standards of integrity and innovation. Since stepping into leadership, I have focused on modernizing our educational programs, expanding IJO teams, and enhancing next generation initiatives,” said Barnes.
“I look forward to connecting [with] all our members on a more personal level over the next few months to better understand how we can help them continue to grow. I’m truly honored to lead IJO into this exciting new chapter.”
Roberts, who is handing over ownership, has been “the heart and soul of IJO,” said the organization.
He has been with IJO for more than 50 years, from recruiting members to leading as president, CEO, and owner.
“IJO has been my life for more than five decades, and now is the perfect time to pass the torch to a leader I trust wholeheartedly,” said Roberts.
“The relationships I’ve built with our members are invaluable, and while I will certainly miss my role, I have complete confidence that Stephen will lead IJO with passion, integrity, and a visionary approach.”
For membership inquiries, contact Penny Palmer at penny@ijo.com or 800-624-9252.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board MembersMore on Independents
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
