CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
MajorsDec 03, 2014
Appointments: Movado hires for ‘wearable devices’
In a move that shows the increasing importance and relevancy of wearable tech in the industry, Movado Group has hired Jo An Lawson, a former Apple employee, as its general manager of wearable devices.
New York--In a move that shows the increasing importance and relevancy of wearable tech in the industry, Movado Group has hired Jo An Lawson, a former Apple employee, as its general manager of wearable devices.
In this role, Lawson will lead the company’s wearable device initiatives, a route that will allow the company “to extend our brand reach and provide a new avenue for growth,” Movado said. She will report to vice chairman and COO Rick Coté.
She will be responsible for identifying opportunities for Movado in the technology arena as well as developing strategic alliances that will position the company to launch wearable device products consistent with its luxury branding.
Lawson joins Movado with significant brand and marketing experience, including nine years at Apple Inc. Most recently, she served as a marketing strategist at West Studios, acting as interim vice president of marketing for some of the top technology companies.
Daniel’s Jewelers hires new CFO
Daniel’s Jewelers announced that it has appointed Joseph Donaghy as its chief financial officer.
Donaghy comes to Daniel’s after holding positions as executive vice president, chief administrative officer, chief financial officer, and member of the board of directors of Ultra Jewelers both before and immediately after the company was acquired by Signet Jewelers Ltd.
Prior to Ultra, he held a senior operating position at Friedman Jewelers and served as the CFO of Crescent Jewelers.
Coinciding with Donaghy’s appointment, Art Ronci, the company’s senior vice president, was promoted to COO, and will retain responsibility for credit and collections operations, management information systems, customer service and corporate administration.
Headquartered in Culver City, Calif., Daniel’s has 74 locations throughout the state. New York-based private equity firm Palladium Equity Partners LLC recently made a major investment in the chain, with plans to open new Daniel’s Jewelers stores and pursue strategic acquisitions, both inside and outside California.
CEO of Gucci jewelry division steps down
Michele Sofisti has left his position as the CEO of Gucci Watches and Jewelry, citing other personal and professional opportunities that he wanted to pursue.
The company said that Sofisti’s replacement will be named in the near future; Gucci CEO Patrizio di Marco will serve as acting CEO in the meantime.
Sofisti joined Gucci Group Watches as the strategic advisor in 2009. He was promoted to CEO in 2010 and then in 2011 also was named CEO of the Sowind Group,
the parent company of Swiss luxury watch brands Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard that later moved under Kering’s control.
Sofisti stepped down from his position at Sowind in July to focus on Gucci Watches and Jewelry.
Signet creates CIO role
Signet Jewelers has named Daniel Shull as the company’s first chief information officer, effective Jan. 5. He will relocate to the northeastern Ohio area for the position, which will put him in charge of the information technology systems across all three of Signet’s division.
Shull will report to CEO Mark Light and serve on Signet’s executive committee.
He joins the company after more than seven years at Nike, where he held various IT leadership roles, including global retail CIO, as well as most recently serving as vice president of strategy, architecture and portfolio for the entire company.
He also spent 15 years at Borders Group, rising to the position of CIO and serving as vice president of application development as well as key merchandising leadership roles.
Sofisti stepped down from his position at Sowind in July to focus on Gucci Watches and Jewelry.
Signet creates CIO role
Signet Jewelers has named Daniel Shull as the company’s first chief information officer, effective Jan. 5. He will relocate to the northeastern Ohio area for the position, which will put him in charge of the information technology systems across all three of Signet’s division.
Shull will report to CEO Mark Light and serve on Signet’s executive committee.
He joins the company after more than seven years at Nike, where he held various IT leadership roles, including global retail CIO, as well as most recently serving as vice president of strategy, architecture and portfolio for the entire company.
He also spent 15 years at Borders Group, rising to the position of CIO and serving as vice president of application development as well as key merchandising leadership roles.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
