MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President
A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.
Industry veteran Andrew Rickard is the new president of the Jewelers Board of Trade. A not-for-profit organization based in Warwick, Rhode Island, JBT provides credit reporting, collections, and marketing services to the jewelry industry. It has served the trade since 1884.
Warwick, R.I.—The Jewelers Board of Trade announced last week that it has appointed a new president, industry veteran and JBT board member Andrew Rickard.
Rickard has spent the past 21 years with RDI Diamonds Inc. in Rochester, New York, most recently serving as the diamond supplier’s executive vice president of operations.
He also has served on the JBT board and executive board for the past five years; most recently, he was elected to a one-year term as first vice-chairman of the board.
Rickard succeeds Erich Jacobs as JBT president.
Formerly the organization’s vice president of IT, Jacobs was promoted to president in 2019, with the goal of helping the organization digitize its core systems, enhance data accessibility, and improve member services.
JBT said with this transformation complete, it is time to turn the presidency back over to an industry veteran.
“I’ve utilized JBT’s services for over two decades and know first-hand how essential the organization is to vendors, manufacturers and retail partners,” Rickard said.
“Our plan will focus on driving innovations in service, value and technology to ensure we exceed the needs of the jewelry industry for the next hundred years.”
Related stories will be right here …
Rickard has spent the past 21 years with RDI Diamonds Inc. in Rochester, New York, most recently serving as the diamond supplier’s executive vice president of operations.
He also has served on the JBT board and executive board for the past five years; most recently, he was elected to a one-year term as first vice-chairman of the board.
Rickard succeeds Erich Jacobs as JBT president.
Formerly the organization’s vice president of IT, Jacobs was promoted to president in 2019, with the goal of helping the organization digitize its core systems, enhance data accessibility, and improve member services.
JBT said with this transformation complete, it is time to turn the presidency back over to an industry veteran.
“I’ve utilized JBT’s services for over two decades and know first-hand how essential the organization is to vendors, manufacturers and retail partners,” Rickard said.
“Our plan will focus on driving innovations in service, value and technology to ensure we exceed the needs of the jewelry industry for the next hundred years.”
Jacobs said he’s “thrilled” to pass the torch to Rickard.
“His experience, relationships, and deep industry knowledge are exactly what JBT needs to build on our progress,” Jacobs said.
“I look forward to continuing to support Andrew and JBT by focusing on the technology innovation that has become central to our mission.”
News of Rickard’s appointment follows the organization’s recent announcement about its new board members and new board chair, Jeff Corey of Day’s Jewelers.
Commenting on Rickard’s appointment as president, Corey said, “Andrew brings a rare combination of operational excellence, deep industry relationships, and a clear vision for JBT’s future.
“The board is confident that under Andrew’s leadership, JBT is well positioned to strengthen its relevance, grow its services, and set a new direction that meets the evolving needs of the jewelry industry.”
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
