MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorPolicies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director
Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
The Community for Ethical Jewelry has appointed Marianna Smirnova to executive director.
Cincinnati, Ohio—The Community for Ethical Jewelry (CEJ) has named Marianna Smirnova as its new executive director.
The organization said her appointment reinforces its leadership in ethical sourcing, sustainability, and responsible business practices across the jewelry industry as Smirnova brings deep expertise and strategic leadership to the role.
Previously, Barbara Wheat held the role of executive director. Following her departure, Alix Hart served as interim executive director.
Smirnova has more than 18 years of experience in sustainability, human rights, responsible sourcing, due diligence, and mineral supply chains.
In her new role, she will work closely with CEJ’s board of directors, members, volunteers, and partners to advance the organization’s mission and guide its next chapter of growth, engagement, and industry leadership.
Her appointment also comes at a pivotal time for both CEJ and the industry, CEJ noted, as responsible business practices become increasingly central to long-term success.
Under Smirnova’s leadership, CEJ said it is poised to broaden its influence, deepen engagement across the sector, and accelerate its work in support of a more responsible and sustainable jewelry industry.
"For more than two decades, CEJ has championed the belief that responsible business is essential to the future of the jewelry industry. Marianna's appointment reflects our commitment to building on that legacy,” said Brandee Dallow, president of CEJ.
“She brings extraordinary expertise, strategic vision, and a collaborative approach that will help strengthen our programs, deepen industry engagement, and help CEJ reach its next level of impact. I am incredibly optimistic about what we will accomplish together and the opportunities ahead for CEJ and the industry we serve."
Related stories will be right here …
The organization said her appointment reinforces its leadership in ethical sourcing, sustainability, and responsible business practices across the jewelry industry as Smirnova brings deep expertise and strategic leadership to the role.
Previously, Barbara Wheat held the role of executive director. Following her departure, Alix Hart served as interim executive director.
Smirnova has more than 18 years of experience in sustainability, human rights, responsible sourcing, due diligence, and mineral supply chains.
In her new role, she will work closely with CEJ’s board of directors, members, volunteers, and partners to advance the organization’s mission and guide its next chapter of growth, engagement, and industry leadership.
Her appointment also comes at a pivotal time for both CEJ and the industry, CEJ noted, as responsible business practices become increasingly central to long-term success.
Under Smirnova’s leadership, CEJ said it is poised to broaden its influence, deepen engagement across the sector, and accelerate its work in support of a more responsible and sustainable jewelry industry.
"For more than two decades, CEJ has championed the belief that responsible business is essential to the future of the jewelry industry. Marianna's appointment reflects our commitment to building on that legacy,” said Brandee Dallow, president of CEJ.
“She brings extraordinary expertise, strategic vision, and a collaborative approach that will help strengthen our programs, deepen industry engagement, and help CEJ reach its next level of impact. I am incredibly optimistic about what we will accomplish together and the opportunities ahead for CEJ and the industry we serve."
Most recently, Smirnova was a senior advisor to the Global Battery Alliance and the London Bullion Market Association.
Previously, she spent a decade with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, where she served as senior director and interim head.
Smirnova has also worked alongside many organizations that help to advance responsible sourcing, ethical jewelry, and artisanal mining worldwide.
These organizations include the Responsible Jewellery Council, Alliance for Responsible Mining, Craft Impact, Artisanal Gold Council, Solidaridad, European Partnership for Responsible Minerals, PPA, Resolve, Diamond Development Initiative, Swiss Better Gold Association, WGC, PACT, and Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030.
“At a time when ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and respect for human rights are more important than ever, I am honored to join CEJ,” said Smirnova.
“I look forward to working closely with our members, volunteers, partners, and leadership to advance meaningful initiatives fostering an inclusive and diverse community—one that supports artistry, creativity, equitable opportunities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and strengthens meaningful collaboration across the jewelry value chain. Together, we can drive lasting change that benefits jewelers, artisanal and small-scale producers, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and all those whose livelihoods are connected to our industry.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
