Majors

Appointments: Signet Jewelers appoints treasurer

MajorsDec 06, 2016

Appointments: Signet Jewelers appoints treasurer

Signet Jewelers Ltd. has promoted Denise Shaffer to the newly created role of treasurer, the company announced Tuesday. 

New York--Signet Jewelers Ltd. has promoted Denise Shaffer to the newly created role of treasurer, the company announced Tuesday.


In the new role, Shaffer will be responsible for the expanded function of Signet treasury in the company, as well as managing the bank group and multi-divisional international cash positions and funding.

Shaffer first joined Sterling Jewelers, Signet’s U.S. division, more than 24 years ago as manager of the corporate treasury.

She was promoted to director of the treasury in 1992, which was then expanded in 2005 to director of treasury and strategic financial planning. Two years later, she was promoted to vice president of corporate treasury and strategic financial planning.

Prior to joining Sterling, she held various positions at NCNB National Bank, which is now known as Bank of America.

In addition, Sterling Jewelers announced the promotion of both Vince Marchetta and David Jacobsen to the position of vice president, real estate.

In his new role, Marchetta will be responsible for Sterling’s real estate portfolio for the western part of the U.S., along with the development of financial and tactical plans. Jacobsen, meanwhile, will be responsible for the company’s real estate portfolio for the eastern regions of the country.

Marchetta joined Sterling in 1989 as a leasing administrator and has held other various positions at the company, including leasing representative, senior leasing representative, Jared leasing manager, and most recently, director of mall real estate.

Jacobsen joined Sterling in 1998 as a store manager and has since held the position of district manager and most recently served as leasing representative.

The slate of personnel changes follows Signet’s February announcement that it plans to acquire rival Zale Corp. in a deal valued at $1.4 billion, creating a chain of more than 3,600 jewelry stores. 

 


Alex and Ani CEO Giovanni Feroce has resigned for undisclosed reasons.

The company said in a statement last week that founder and creative director Carolyn Rafaelian has been named as the interim CEO. The search for a new CEO is expected to take several months.

Rafaelian and Feroce partnered in 2010, and the latter helped the company’s revenue grow to about $230 million last year. 

Alex and Ani has about 40 branded retail stores across the country and is also sold at more than 150 specialty gift and jewelry shops.

 


Eric Carlborg has announced that he will resign from Blue Nile’s board of directors.

He will continue to serve as a director of the company until the 2014 annual meeting, which is currently scheduled for May 22.

Concurrent with Carlborg’s decision not to stand for re-election, the board has announced that it will reduce its size from nine to eight members effective as of the date of the 2014 annual meeting.

 


Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company announced that Trina Woldt has accepted the newly created position of chief marketing officer within the company’s personal lines division. In her role, Woldt will be responsible for developing the company’s marketing efforts of its Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance brand.

Before joining Jewelers Mutual, she served as the director of marketing and development at the Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh, Wisc.

Jewelers Mutual also appointed Michael Calabresa as director of business development, personal lines. He previously served as director of agency operations and as a commercial lines sales and marketing consultant.

Prior to joining Jewelers Mutual, Calabresa was vice president of sales and marketing at Integrity Mutual Insurance Company, as well as held numerous sales and marketing leadership positions during more than 24 years with Sentry Insurance.

Woldt and Calabresa are both filling newly created roles for Jewelers Mutual as it continues to promote its Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance product. Both will be working on direct-to-consumer and business-to-business campaigns.

 


Rio Tinto Diamonds has named Brandee Dallow to manage its U.S. representative office in New York. The appointment was effective March 1.

Dallow has more than 15 years of experience in the industry, including a role as the vice president of global communications for diamond company Julius Klein Group before joining Rio Tinto.

Rio Tinto opened its New York office in 2007 to establish an on-the-ground presence in the market and to support Rio Tinto Diamonds’ customers in their U.S. activities, the company said.

 


Mastoloni is expanding its independent sales force with the appointment of Matt Broerman as sales manager for the brand’s Southeast territory.

Broerman brings a strong skill of driving sales in the luxury skill set to Mastoloni, the company said, with his experience working for a number of jewelry and timepiece companies.

 


Christine Purdue has joined the boutique marketing firm Communiqué as public relations director. She will be based in New York City.

Purdue most recently served as media relations manager at Van Cleef & Arpels, and was also a public relations manager at Neiman Marcus. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Hiba Husayni, Jules Kim, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb, Lorraine West
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

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

Emmanuel Raheb, National Jeweler columnist and CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026

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

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

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

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

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

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

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

Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

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

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

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

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

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

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Program
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now Open

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

The Venetian Expo Las Vegas
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now Open

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

Avocados From Mexico Golden Double Dip Chip
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden Chip

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

41.82-carat rough blue diamond recovered from the Cullinan Mine
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South Africa

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

Marie Lichtenberg Lasso Locket Bracelets Campaign
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New Bracelets

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

“My Next Question: The Podcast” graphic featuring Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era

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

Colman Domingo
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand Ambassador

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

Burnell’s Fine Jewelry Kristi Regan, Nathan Regan, Sean Hamlin, Erin Carson
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ Award

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

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026

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

Orr’s Jewelers David Gordon, Marcia Gordon, Aliza Gordon, Leslie Gordon
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District

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

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store Robbery

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

Rio Grande diamonds
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond Melee

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

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

MNQ FINAL - NJ web - 1872 x 1052 px.png
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the Podcast

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Lisa Manobal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden Globes

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Peter Yanzter, former executive director of AGS Labs
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

Macy’s New York Herald Square
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This Year

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Jewelers Mutual logo
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance Program

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy