JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter Award
Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

Zimmer will be presented with the award at JVC’s annual luncheon on March 14 at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.
The award honors those that embody leadership, integrity, and passion for elevating the jewelry community’s reputation in the U.S. and worldwide, characteristics embodied by the late Stanley Schechter, said JVC.
JVC established the award in 2002 to honor Schechter, founder of Honora Industries, who was known for his work in the pearl sector, as well as his more than 50 years of dedication to maintaining ethics and integrity in the jewelry industry. He was a lifetime member of JVC and a member of the JVC board from the 1960s to 2000.
Stanley’s son Joel Schechter will present the award.
Zimmer is the president and CEO of Reeds Jewelers. Son of Reeds founder Bill Zimmer, he joined his father’s company in 1981 as executive vice president, taking the reins as president and CEO by 1985.
Under his leadership, the jeweler has blended high-touch experiential retail with innovative digital commerce through the Reeds website, said JVC.
He has also embedded his dedication to philanthropy in Reeds’ culture; the company supports the Zimmer Cancer Institute at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and other charitable organizations.
Zimmer is a recognized leader in the industry. In 1992, Zimmer was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retail Hall of Fame.
In 2019, he received the American Gem Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
He has also served on industry and philanthropic boards, including for JVC, as well as for Jewelers of America, where he was chairman from 2003 to 2005.
Zimmer currently serves on the Jewelers for Children board of directors, and previously, he was treasurer for the organization from 2016 to 2019 and chairman from 2019 to 2021.
He has also served on the Jewelers’ Security Alliance board since 2018 and is currently chairman of the board.
“I could not be more thrilled to recognize Alan Zimmer with this award,” said Sara Yood, JVC’s president, CEO, and general counsel.
“Alan’s dedication to serving on industry boards shows just a hint of his passion for the jewelry industry and for elevating it in the eye of the consumer. He truly embodies the leadership values that were important to Stanley and have been passed down through generations.”
The Latest

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.


The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

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

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

























