This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Steven Kaiser Elected to Chair Jewelers’ Security Alliance
The 135-year-old trade organization also inducted Reed Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer to its board.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance welcomed new and familiar faces to the board at its annual meeting at the New York Yacht Club.
JSA President John Kennedy began the day’s event with a moment of silence for Helen Buck, a long-standing JSA member who passed away in October, as well as for jeweler Jason Cullen, who was killed during a robbery in California.
Cullen, the 32-year-old son of the owners of Highland Pawn, suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and died the following day.
Kennedy found a silver lining in the tragedy, noting that the number of jewelers killed has been on the decline, hitting a 35-year-low for the industry.
There was one death in 2018, compared with the 37 U.S. jewelers killed in 1992.
The total dollar losses from crime against the U.S. jewelry industry also has been on the decline most years since 2000, Kennedy said, crediting JSA and its growing network of law enforcement personnel.’
Alan Zimmer, CEO of Reed Jewelers, is a newcomer to the board.
Returning members re-elected to three-year terms include Patti Geolat of the Geolat Companies, Chris Hackler of Signet Jewelers, Mark Smelzer of JCK and David Tearle of the Gemological Institute of America.
Those continuing in their terms include Chad Berg of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, David Bonaparte of Jewelers of America, Marc Green of Lux, Bond & Green, Adam Heyman of Oscar Heyman & Brothers, David Sexton of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Mark Udell of London Jewelers, Stewart Wicht of Rolex and Stanley Zale of Stuller.
The organization presented Annual Industry Service Awards to National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff and JCK News Director Rob Bates.
Founded back in 1883, JSA has more than 21,000 member locations.
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller