Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Edge Retail Academy Adds 4 Industry Veterans to Its Team
Three will help jewelers boost sales, profits and inventory health while the fourth will help retailers maximize their use of Edge Pulse.

Omaha, Neb.—The Edge Retail Academy has added four members to its team.
Charleen Pfaff, Ben Stahl and Mona Lisa Shaffer are business advisors who will work with jewelers on boosting sales, profits and inventory health.
Pfaff comes from a family of watchmakers. Her father, husband and both of her sons are watchmakers, while her daughter is a senior manager for a leading Swiss watch company. She has 36 years of experience with jewelry store management.
Stahl is a 19-year retail jewelry veteran, joining ERA from a Mid-Atlantic luxury jeweler where he doubled the sales volume of its free-standing store. He also has experience in training and organizational development, as well as retail operations management.
Shaffer has 30 years of retail jewelry experience, GIA and AGS professional accreditation and is driven, intuitive and creative, ERA said.
Shelly Burton Schulz, meanwhile, has been hired to help retailers maximize their use of Edge Pulse, the company’s real-time dashboard of sales and inventory data that aggregates data from 900 stores representing more than $1.5 billion in annual sales.
She has 17 years of sales and marketing experience, most of which were dedicated to helping jewelry retailers increase their bottom line by developing strategies to maximize revenue and preserve margins.
“This is the largest addition to our team in the company’s history,” said Edge Retail Academy President David Brown. “We are seeing increasing demand for our services, and we are delighted to bring in this seasoned group of business professionals to meet our growth.”
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.






















