MajorsApr 08, 2025
David Webb Has a New OwnerSourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. Division
Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
Kentaro Nishimura is the new president and CEO of Mikimoto America. He succeeds Yasuhiko Hashimoto, who has headed the division since 2019.
New York—Mikimoto promoted from within when selecting a new leader for the U.S. market.
The company announced Thursday that Kentaro Nishimura, currently chief operating officer of Mikimoto America, is now president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
He succeeds Yasuhiko Hashimoto, who will remain with the company but focus on the broader global business, a company spokesperson said.
Nishimura’s appointment comes at a time when long-standing luxury brands, like Mikimoto, are looking to appeal to a younger generation of consumers by putting a modern spin on classic designs.
In late 2024, the pearl brand unveiled a collection made in collaboration with Chrome Hearts, a high-end fashion brand with an edgy, rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic.
Related stories will be right here …
The company announced Thursday that Kentaro Nishimura, currently chief operating officer of Mikimoto America, is now president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
He succeeds Yasuhiko Hashimoto, who will remain with the company but focus on the broader global business, a company spokesperson said.
Nishimura’s appointment comes at a time when long-standing luxury brands, like Mikimoto, are looking to appeal to a younger generation of consumers by putting a modern spin on classic designs.
In late 2024, the pearl brand unveiled a collection made in collaboration with Chrome Hearts, a high-end fashion brand with an edgy, rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic.
Nishimura started working at Mikimoto in Japan in 1997, managing the company’s retail and wholesale gift operations.
He later joined the custom product team, creating bespoke pieces for corporate clients.
Nishimura relocated to the United States in 2000, starting as an assistant manager in Las Vegas.
Over the years, he has held leadership roles in purchasing and merchandising before ultimately being promoted to COO.
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VP
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.More on Sourcing
The Latest
Policies & IssuesMay 29, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs InvalidThree federal judges ruled that Trump exceeded his authority in imposing sweeping tariffs, a ruling his administration already has appealed.
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry LineThe pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by StullerSponsored by Stuller
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description SoftwareGemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas FlagshipThe 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist TrialAging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic WinThe WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT PresidentA longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for AuctionThe platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored GemstonesGet a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
