Events & Awards

Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025

Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

Eric Ford, Couture’s new brand director and former fine jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus
Eric Ford, who worked for Neiman Marcus for more than 30 years, is now the brand director for Couture. The 2026 Couture show is scheduled for May 27-31 at Wynn Las Vegas.
New York—Eric Ford, Neiman Marcus’ longtime fine jewelry buyer, has joined the Couture team as brand director, a new role within the organization.

As brand director, Ford will oversee Couture’s day-to-day operations while also spearheading “strategic enhancements” that benefit the event and the community as a whole, the show said when announcing his appointment Monday. 

He will report directly to Emerald Executive Vice President Gannon Brousseau, who will shift his focus to larger strategic initiatives for the show, while Couture Brand Manager Elana Cutler now will report directly to Ford.

Before joining the Couture team, Ford spent more than 30 years at Neiman Marcus, most recently working as the precious jewelry buyer for the retailer’s 36 stores.

At Neiman Marcus, Ford earned a reputation for identifying talent and working closely with each brand to ensure its success in the United States.  

He said he is “thrilled” to be Couture’s brand director.

 “Having the opportunity to work alongside a team of people with whom I already have great relationships is truly a unique honor,” Ford said. 

“I’m looking forward to leveraging my decades of industry experience and the relationships that I’ve build over the years to work collaboratively to bring even more value to an industry and a community about which I’ve long been passionate.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Brousseau said Ford’s fine jewelry knowledge and the good will he’s fostered throughout the industry will be an asset to Couture.

He also noted that Ford has had a long tenure on the show’s Retailer Advisory Council and has been leading “Belonging at Couture” since its formation in 2020.

“These critical roles have allowed him to become intimately familiar with the inner workings of Couture while also forging strong relationships with key members of the team,” Brousseau said. “We are all excited for him to officially get started.”   

Couture also added another new team member recently.

Kimberly Straub joined the jewelry trade show as its new retailer liaison, taking over for Jan Mohr, who retired this summer after more than 25 years with Couture.

The show honored Mohr for her years of service with the new Hidden Gem Award, presented during the 2025 Couture Design Awards.

The Latest

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions and National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for Jewelers

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’s

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.

Super Smalls Super Book of Gems, Maria Dueñas Jacobs, and Bianca Gottesman
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine Jewelry

The “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Mattioli CEO Claudio Pasta
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEO

Claudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.

Weekly QuizSep 19, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Monique Lhuillier fashion jewelry Kay
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers Line

The new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.

Rio Tinto tender
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ Tender

The miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Vibhor and Alor logos
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires Alor

The California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.

Gurhan Crown Gold Aquamarine Peacock
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' Zoo

The “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.

Community for Ethical Jewelry logo
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name

Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.

Madison Keys
EditorsSep 19, 2025
These Female Athletes Had the Best Jewelry of the Summer

From Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.

Vanessa Fernández Studio Curva Wrap Hoops
CollectionsSep 19, 2025
Piece of the Week: Vanessa Fernández Studio’s ‘Curva’ Wrap Hoops

The trendy earrings feature asymmetrical drops, one with a grossular garnet and the other with a diamond.

Graphic for A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram Reels webinar
Recorded WebinarsSep 19, 2025
Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram Reels

Four social media marketing experts discuss their go-to methods and favorite tools for making high-quality short-form video content.

agta-sb-0925.png
Supplier BulletinSep 18, 2025
Will Your Design Define 2026? Enter The Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

Stock image of a woman shopping online with credit card
SurveysSep 18, 2025
Deloitte Thinks the Holidays Will Be Merry, PwC Isn’t So Sure

In its holiday report, PwC said the season will be more like jazz—improvisational and less predictable—than an easy-to-follow melody.

Pandora distribution facility Maryland rendering
MajorsSep 18, 2025
Pandora to Open New Distribution Center in Maryland

The jewelry giant will relocate its existing facility to a larger space in Anne Arundel.

Garçon New York Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 18, 2025
Ashley Zhang Launches Garçon New York

The designer, who is the creative force behind her namesake brand, has now started a new mini line focusing on chains for fathers and sons.

Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF
SourcingSep 18, 2025
SSEF Opens Applications for 2 Gemology Education Scholarships

The awards include tuition for a course at the Swiss lab, economy flights, and hotel accommodation.

Hill & Co. AI Strategy Graphic
TechnologySep 18, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches AI Strategy Program

The 21-day program was designed to help jewelry retailers identify opportunities and eliminate inefficiencies with AI.

Set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+

A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.

Journey of a Jeweler by Silvia Furmanovich
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

1978 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 Tiffany Dial
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’

The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.

Jewelers Mutual Group logo
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.

Shot of one of the pools at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in Carlsbad

At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.

Crime police cars
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop Shootout

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

Chopard Ice Cube Modular Necklace
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule Collection

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy