Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorSourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy Board
The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
The new members of Gem Legacy’s board of directors, from left to right: Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, and Sara Yood. Gem Legacy is a nonprofit organization that works to provide tools and education to gemstone miners in East Africa.
Ferndale, Mich.—Gem Legacy, the nonprofit that works to support and strengthen gem mining communities in East Africa, has announced the addition of three industry leaders to its board of directors.
Annie Doresca has served as Jewelers of America’s chief operations officer and chief financial officer since 2008 and as of January 2026, is president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America as well.
She is also the founding president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
Gem Legacy said Doresca brings a “rare combination” of nonprofit financial expertise and frontline industry leadership to the board.
Mark Smelzer is vice president of business development for Jewelers Mutual Group.
Prior to that, he spent nearly two decades as publisher of JCK magazine and the publication’s website, JCKOnline.com. He joined Jewelers Mutual in 2021.
Gem Legacy said Smelzer’s ability to translate “mission into message” and his connections in retail, media, and across the broader trade will expand its reach among the jewelers and retailers whose businesses depend on the miners the organization serves.
Sara Yood is president, CEO, and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, a role she was promoted to in June 2024 after joining JVC as assistant counsel in 2012.
She also serves as secretary of the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority, president of CIBJO’s Ethics Commission, and co-chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Standards Committee.
Yood brings “unmatched” expertise in responsible sourcing, supply chain compliance, and the legal frameworks that govern the global movement of gemstones to the board, Gem Legacy said.
Related stories will be right here …
Annie Doresca has served as Jewelers of America’s chief operations officer and chief financial officer since 2008 and as of January 2026, is president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America as well.
She is also the founding president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
Gem Legacy said Doresca brings a “rare combination” of nonprofit financial expertise and frontline industry leadership to the board.
Mark Smelzer is vice president of business development for Jewelers Mutual Group.
Prior to that, he spent nearly two decades as publisher of JCK magazine and the publication’s website, JCKOnline.com. He joined Jewelers Mutual in 2021.
Gem Legacy said Smelzer’s ability to translate “mission into message” and his connections in retail, media, and across the broader trade will expand its reach among the jewelers and retailers whose businesses depend on the miners the organization serves.
Sara Yood is president, CEO, and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, a role she was promoted to in June 2024 after joining JVC as assistant counsel in 2012.
She also serves as secretary of the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority, president of CIBJO’s Ethics Commission, and co-chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Standards Committee.
Yood brings “unmatched” expertise in responsible sourcing, supply chain compliance, and the legal frameworks that govern the global movement of gemstones to the board, Gem Legacy said.
“I could not be more excited to welcome Mark, Sara, and Annie to our board. Each of them brings something Gem Legacy needs: Annie’s financial and nonprofit leadership, Sara’s expertise in compliance and supply chain integrity, and Mark’s unparalleled reach across the jewelry trade,” said Monica Stephenson, Gem Legacy board president and founder of Anza Gems.
“Together, they strengthen our foundation at exactly the moment we need it most, and I know the mining communities we serve will feel the difference.”
Established in 2018, Gem Legacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with gem mining communities in East Africa to provide tools, opportunity, education and, ultimately, help them become self-reliant.
Since its inception, the organization’s programs have equipped more than 1,120 miners with safe tools, provided thousands of daily meals to students, and funded vocational and college scholarships.
It is currently developing the Gem Legacy Campus in Arusha, Tanzania, which will be a hub dedicated to gem faceting education, student housing, and community support.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
