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
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
