MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsEvents & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ List
Expanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
On Tuesday, Jewelers of America announced the names of the 40 individuals who made its two “20 Under 40” lists for 2025. One list of 20 recognizes retailers, while the second list of 20 individuals is dedicated to suppliers.
New York—On Tuesday, Jewelers of America revealed who made its “20 Under 40” list for 2025, a recognition that has been expanded to include another facet of the industry.
Launched in 2022, the 20 Under 40 program originally was designed to highlight emerging talent in jewelry retail.
This year, JA added a new category recognizing jewelry suppliers—individuals working in design, manufacturing, wholesale, and service companies that support retail.
A total of 40 individuals are part of the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025, 20 representing jewelry retailers and 20 representing jewelry suppliers.
The 20 retail members are as follows.
• Daniel Arik, co-owner at Happy Jewelers, Fullerton, California
• Cece Baggott, chief strategy officer at The Vault Nantucket, Boston
• Lauren Boc, founder and CEO at Hera Fine Jewelry, Brooklyn, New York
• Fallon Bock, vice president and head buyer at Bachendorf’s, Dallas-Fort Worth
• Chase Brinson, owner at Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry, Christiansburg, Virginia
• Chae Carter, president and owner at Carter’s Collective Fine Jewelry, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Robert Chorost, CEO at Precious Metals Refinery, Tucson, Arizona
• Helen Fuqua, bench jeweler at Christopher’s Fine Jewelry, Pawleys Island, South Carolina
• Vanessa Guarino, director of social media at Louis Anthony Jewelers, Pittsburgh
• Ricardo Guerrero, manager at Ben Bridge Jeweler, Bellevue, Washington
• Peter Hannes IV, chief operating officer at Craig Husar Fine Diamonds, Brookfield, Wisconsin
• Iris Jarvis, vice president at Young Jewelers, Jasper, Alabama
• Kathleen Thompson Kimball, CEO and president at George Thompson Diamond Company, Camarillo, California
• Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence, chief marketing officer at CD Peacock, Oak Brook, Illinois
• Joseph Meadows, creative design manager at David Douglas Diamonds, Marietta, Georgia
• Mike Nekta, partner at Leon Diamond, New York
• Mallory Shelter, owner at Shelter, Washington, D.C.
• Megan Sherrer-Neel, graduate gemologist/marketing and sales manager at Lou’s Jewelry, Mobile, Alabama
• Chris Wattsson, owner and bench jeweler at Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers, Marquette, Michigan
• Rose Wong, CEO and founder at Kolohe Jewelry, Honolulu
The 20 supplier members are as follows.
• Allyna Ahrens, director of sales at Aurora Payments, Tempe, Arizona
• Aaron Ariel, co-founder at Dialog Solutions Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Dakota Badia, co-designer at Buddha Mama, Miami
• Mathew Behnam, president at Everspark, Great Neck, New York
• Cecily Bowen, national sales director at Hearts On Fire and Memoire, Boston
• Fernanda Durmer, owner and designer at Universal Deco, Denver
• Vanessa Fernández, jeweler and artist at Vanessa Fernández Studio, Miami
• Kiran Golakiya, chief operating officer at Dharm International LLC, New York
• Nichole Guillory, public relations and social media manager at Stuller Inc., Lafayette, Louisiana
• Joy Haugaard, creative director and co-founder at Lionheart, New York
• Joshua Israileff, co-owner at ASBA USA Inc., Sarasota, Florida
• Jean Kee, vice president of design at John Hardy, New York
• Jonathan LeVian, vice president of sales and marketing at Le Vian, Great Neck, New York
• Haim Medine, creative director at Mark Henry Jewelry, New York
• Raja Mehta, president at AG Gems, Los Angeles
• Trevor Mendelsohn, vice president of merchandise and sales at Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels, Beverly Hills, California
• Paras Pandya, managing director at Ashi Couture, New York
• Jordan Peck, head of operations at Brevani, New York
• Romy Schreiber Gow, art director at Gumuchian, New York
• Ross Wesdorp, senior director of sales/co-owner at Jewel-Craft Inc., Erlanger, Kentucky
Related stories will be right here …
Launched in 2022, the 20 Under 40 program originally was designed to highlight emerging talent in jewelry retail.
This year, JA added a new category recognizing jewelry suppliers—individuals working in design, manufacturing, wholesale, and service companies that support retail.
A total of 40 individuals are part of the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025, 20 representing jewelry retailers and 20 representing jewelry suppliers.
The 20 retail members are as follows.
• Daniel Arik, co-owner at Happy Jewelers, Fullerton, California
• Cece Baggott, chief strategy officer at The Vault Nantucket, Boston
• Lauren Boc, founder and CEO at Hera Fine Jewelry, Brooklyn, New York
• Fallon Bock, vice president and head buyer at Bachendorf’s, Dallas-Fort Worth
• Chase Brinson, owner at Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry, Christiansburg, Virginia
• Chae Carter, president and owner at Carter’s Collective Fine Jewelry, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Robert Chorost, CEO at Precious Metals Refinery, Tucson, Arizona
• Helen Fuqua, bench jeweler at Christopher’s Fine Jewelry, Pawleys Island, South Carolina
• Vanessa Guarino, director of social media at Louis Anthony Jewelers, Pittsburgh
• Ricardo Guerrero, manager at Ben Bridge Jeweler, Bellevue, Washington
• Peter Hannes IV, chief operating officer at Craig Husar Fine Diamonds, Brookfield, Wisconsin
• Iris Jarvis, vice president at Young Jewelers, Jasper, Alabama
• Kathleen Thompson Kimball, CEO and president at George Thompson Diamond Company, Camarillo, California
• Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence, chief marketing officer at CD Peacock, Oak Brook, Illinois
• Joseph Meadows, creative design manager at David Douglas Diamonds, Marietta, Georgia
• Mike Nekta, partner at Leon Diamond, New York
• Mallory Shelter, owner at Shelter, Washington, D.C.
• Megan Sherrer-Neel, graduate gemologist/marketing and sales manager at Lou’s Jewelry, Mobile, Alabama
• Chris Wattsson, owner and bench jeweler at Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers, Marquette, Michigan
• Rose Wong, CEO and founder at Kolohe Jewelry, Honolulu
The 20 supplier members are as follows.
• Allyna Ahrens, director of sales at Aurora Payments, Tempe, Arizona
• Aaron Ariel, co-founder at Dialog Solutions Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Dakota Badia, co-designer at Buddha Mama, Miami
• Mathew Behnam, president at Everspark, Great Neck, New York
• Cecily Bowen, national sales director at Hearts On Fire and Memoire, Boston
• Fernanda Durmer, owner and designer at Universal Deco, Denver
• Vanessa Fernández, jeweler and artist at Vanessa Fernández Studio, Miami
• Kiran Golakiya, chief operating officer at Dharm International LLC, New York
• Nichole Guillory, public relations and social media manager at Stuller Inc., Lafayette, Louisiana
• Joy Haugaard, creative director and co-founder at Lionheart, New York
• Joshua Israileff, co-owner at ASBA USA Inc., Sarasota, Florida
• Jean Kee, vice president of design at John Hardy, New York
• Jonathan LeVian, vice president of sales and marketing at Le Vian, Great Neck, New York
• Haim Medine, creative director at Mark Henry Jewelry, New York
• Raja Mehta, president at AG Gems, Los Angeles
• Trevor Mendelsohn, vice president of merchandise and sales at Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels, Beverly Hills, California
• Paras Pandya, managing director at Ashi Couture, New York
• Jordan Peck, head of operations at Brevani, New York
• Romy Schreiber Gow, art director at Gumuchian, New York
• Ross Wesdorp, senior director of sales/co-owner at Jewel-Craft Inc., Erlanger, Kentucky
A panel of industry judges selected the 20 Under 40 recipients for 2025, evaluating them on their professional success, innovative thinking, leadership qualities, and dedication to the industry.
Each nominee also demonstrated a commitment to JA’s Code of Professional Practices and the highest standards of professional ethics.
“We are incredibly proud to announce this year’s class of the 20 Under 40 program and to expand our recognition to include supplier professionals, who are essential to our industry’s growth and innovation,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said.
“The 20 Under 40 Class of 2025 represents the future of fine jewelry, and we are honored to celebrate their accomplishments and support their continued success.”
For more information about the recipients, visit the JA website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
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.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
