Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Appointments: Jude Frances, Sterling, Movado Group
A new president at Jude Frances jewelry and appointments at Sterling Jewelers and the Movado Group are among the recent career moves in the jewelry industry.
New York--A new president at Jude Frances jewelry and appointments at Sterling Jewelers and the Movado Group are among the recent career moves in the jewelry industry.
Barbara Laird is now president of Jude Frances Jewelry, following co-founder and designer Frances Gadbois’ decision to sell her portion of the company in March.
Laird will oversee all aspects of sales and product development and play a role in the strategic direction and expansion of the brand.
She is the former vice president of sales at Jude Frances and also has held positions at Armenta, Roberto Lee Morris and Slane.
Jude Frances co-founder Jude Steele now has sole ownership of the brand, having purchased the company in full. The brand’s design and sales teams are fully intact.
Robert Knapp and Bryan Morgan have new positions with Akron, Ohio-based Sterling Jewelers Inc.
Knapp has been named senior vice president of the newly created position of strategic initiative integration and distribution center. He will spearhead business integration opportunities and assume accountability for developing a long-term property acquisition and development strategy for the company’s expanding home office.
Morgan is now the senior vice president of corporate supply chain management and facilities, and will be responsible for overall procurement including strategic sourcing, warehouse fulfillment, manufacturing and repair, and the company’s facilities, security and dining services.
Julian Addison has been named president of Movado Group Asia Pacific, where he will assume responsibility for leading the division’s teams, developing corporate strategies for the region and strengthening the regional alignment of coordination of the company’s brands and operations.
He will be co-located in both Hong Kong and the United States and will report to Movado Group President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Cote.
Addison joined Movado Group in 2004 and has held various leadership roles in finance and strategy as well as sales and inventory planning. He most recently served as head of global value chain operations.
Advanced Chemical has appointed Steve Smith to East Coast account executive, where he will work with plating companies, jewelry manufacturers, dental laboratories, electroplating manufacturing operations and other industries handling refined precious metals.
April Iris Van der Veken of Rosy Blue has been awarded
Officer of the Order of Leopold II is an order of Belgium given for meritorious service to the Sovereign of Belgium.
The Latest

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.


Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.























