SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet Jewelers
Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
Signet Jewelers executives Kecia Caffie, pictured, and Corinne Bentzen have left the company. Caffie was president of Zales and Banter, while Bentzen headed Blue Nile and James Allen, both of which are undergoing changes.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers confirmed two changes amid its executive ranks following last month’s announcement that it is closing more stores and making major changes to its banners.
“As we align our brands more closely and continue to streamline our operating model, some leadership roles are evolving,” the company told National Jeweler.
Kecia Caffie, president of Zales and Banter (also known as Banter by Piercing Pagoda), has left the company, Signet said.
Caffie had been with Signet for 15 years, working her way up from vice president of merchandise planning and allocation to become head of the business then known as Piercing Pagoda.
She was promoted to her current role in January 2023.
Signet said CEO J.K. Symancyk will lead Zales and Banter on an interim basis while it searches for Caffie’s successor.
Related stories will be right here …
“As we align our brands more closely and continue to streamline our operating model, some leadership roles are evolving,” the company told National Jeweler.
Kecia Caffie, president of Zales and Banter (also known as Banter by Piercing Pagoda), has left the company, Signet said.
Caffie had been with Signet for 15 years, working her way up from vice president of merchandise planning and allocation to become head of the business then known as Piercing Pagoda.
She was promoted to her current role in January 2023.
Signet said CEO J.K. Symancyk will lead Zales and Banter on an interim basis while it searches for Caffie’s successor.
Corinne Bentzen, who was president of digital banners Blue Nile and James Allen, also has left the company.
Bentzen was appointed to her current position in November 2024, replacing James Allen co-founder Oded Edelman when he left Signet.
Bentzen’s exit follows Signet’s announcement on its earnings call last month that it was shutting down James Allen, the predominantly online retailer it acquired in 2017, and repositioning Blue Nile.
During the call, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Joan Hilson said the Blue Nile brand serves more affluent customers, and so Signet wants to make it an “elevated luxury brand” that focuses on natural diamonds.
The company expects James Allen to close completely in the second quarter, though a small collection of James Allen jewelry still will be sold via Blue Nile. The company also will use James Allen’s proprietary customization technology across its other banners.
While Signet did not announce any changes for Banter on its earnings call, Hilson did say that the company is continuing to “evaluate its role” within the broader context of Signet’s banners.
News of Caffie and Bentzen’s exits was first reported in The Jewelry Wire, Rob Bates’ new Substack.
In its statement to National Jeweler, Signet said it has started the search for the next president of Blue Nile, who will “operate within this more integrated model.”
Hilson will oversee the business in the meantime.
“We are incredibly grateful to these leaders for their many contributions to Signet, our team members, and our customers,” the company said. “Their work has helped position the company for its next phase of growth.”
In its statement to National Jeweler, Signet said it has started the search for the next president of Blue Nile, who will “operate within this more integrated model.”
Hilson will oversee the business in the meantime.
“We are incredibly grateful to these leaders for their many contributions to Signet, our team members, and our customers,” the company said. “Their work has helped position the company for its next phase of growth.”
The Latest
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
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.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
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.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
NDC Designates April 8 as 'World Diamond Day'The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr Wolk’s first day on the job as CEO of Tracr, De Beers Group’s blockchain platform, will be May 1.
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
