FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
Events & AwardsJan 11, 2021
JVC Event Unveils Secret Hobbies of Jewelry Industry Execs
From GIA’s Susan Jacques love of motorcycles to Greg Kwiat’s cover band, here are some things you may not have known about familiar industry faces.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee held its annual luncheon virtually last week, inviting industry executives to share how they spend their free time.
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee held its annual luncheon virtually last Thursday.
The event kicked off with Charles Stanley of Forevermark presenting the Stanley Schechter Award to John Kennedy, president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, “in recognition of his tireless dedication, hard work and support of JVC’s mission to maintain ethics and integrity through legal compliance.”
Kennedy looked back on his connection to the late Stanley Schechter and his family as well as the link between JVC and JSA.
“We’re both protecting the industry,” said Kennedy. “Both are absolutely essential for the long-term health of the industry.”
Five industry leaders and JVC board directors—Charles Stanley of Forevermark, Susan Jacques of GIA, Greg Kwiat of Kwiat and Fred Leighton, Nathalie Diamantis of Pomellato, and Dave Bindra of B&B Fine Gems—shared some personal anecdotes in lieu of the typical in-person luncheon agenda.
Here’s how the five industry executives spend their free time.
Charles Stanley, Beekeeper Extraordinaire
Stanley’s beekeeping began when he was a child.
He inherited the hobby from his grandmother, who kept bees on her estate in England.
He showed off his beekeeping equipment and talked about the life of a worker bee and shared other fun facts.
His breakout session included how to conduct a hive inspection and how to properly introduce a queen bee to the colony.
Susan Jacques, Motorcycle Enthusiast
“I’m not a biker chick or a Harley babe,” clarified Jacques, though she does have an affinity for the open road.
She enjoys riding on the back of her husband’s motorcycle or being behind the wheel of an ATV.
Jacques and her family have traveled to the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota to meet with other bikers and share in the fun.
The exposure to nature is the highlight of her rides.
At the family farm in Nebraska, where wildflowers grow and their golden retriever Buddy runs free, 160 acres have been set aside as a pheasant reserve.
Greg Kwiat, Cover Band Super Star
When Kwiat isn’t leading his eponymous company, he moonlights as the lead singer of a Beatles and The Rolling Stones cover band.
He shared clips of his band performing “Come Together” by the Beatles and “Sympathy for the Devil,” by The Rolling Stones.
He, on occasion, also performs in the shower and behind the wheel of his car.
Kwiat once met Mick Jagger in a professional setting but
couldn’t bring himself to share his hobby.
In his breakout session, he put on a live performance for the event’s attendees.
Nathalie Diamantis, Wine and Travel Enthusiast
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area to European-American parents was the perfect blend for Diamantis.
A full-fledged wine connoisseur, she shared some of her favorites and some of Italy’s best regions for winemaking.
She compared hand making a watch to a single-vineyard wine, both crafted with love and precision.
When she’s not recommending wine to her friends, Diamantis is on the road.
“Nothing is more exciting than packing a suitcase.”
Dave Bindra, Sneakerhead Savant
Bindra meticulously laid out several of his favorite pairs of sneakers on a table, cradling each like precious cargo as he held them up to the camera.
He’s been collecting sneakers for about 20 years, starting with a highly-coveted pair of Tiffany blue (unofficial) and black Nike SB Dunk Low sneakers, designed in collaboration with Diamond Supply Co.
RELATED CONTENT: The Next Generation: David Bindra of B & B Fine Gems
He held up a pair of black and red Air Jordan 1s, the original 1985 colors, and delved into the history of Michael Jordan and these particular shoes.
“These shoes changed the scope of fashion and sneakers forever,” said Bindra.
Wearing a Kobe Bryant t-shirt, Bindra also showed off a pair of ‘Draft Day’ Kobe Nike sneakers.
“It’s a lot like making jewelry,” said Bindra, noting all the options for colors and material as well as the attention to detail, from glow-in-the-dark soles to double Nike “swooshes.”
On his Instagram, @gemfluencer, Bindra matches B&B’s gemstones to shoes in his collection.
Asked to choose between shoes and watches, timepieces still held the top spot.
Always with an eye for detail, Bindra matched his Rolex GMT-Master 1675 with a pair of “True Blue” Air Jordans.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
