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
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
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.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
