Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
Todd Wolleman Elected JBT Board Chair
Wolleman recently headed the search process to replace outgoing JBT President and CEO Dione Kenyon.
Warwick, R.I.--The Jewelers Board of Trade just announced the results of its annual elections, held during meetings in February and March.
Todd Wolleman, of Leo Wolleman, Inc. in New York, was elected to a one-year term as chairman of the JBT Board.
Wolleman recently chaired the search process to select a new president and CEO to replace Dione Kenyon, who has announced she will retire from the JBT this year as soon as a replacement is found.
First vice chairman is Michael Kaplan of Rocket Jewelry Box Inc. in Bronx, N.Y., while Ann Arnold, of Norwood, N.J.-based Arnold Advisory Group, was elected to serve as second vice chairwoman.
Kenyon remains the organization’s president and was elected treasurer while Brenda M. Pimentel retains her post as secretary.
Richard Katz of Samuel Aaron Inc. was appointed to the JBT Executive Committee.
Newly elected to the board for a two-year term were Ira Bergman, president of The Gordon Company Inc.; Lux Bond & Green Chief Financial Officer David Bonney; and Nilesh Sheth, president of Forever Collections Inc. in New York.
Re-elected to the board for a period of two years were: Arnold, Anthony Capuano of HSBC Bank USA, Edward DeCristofaro of LDC Inc., Roderick Lichtenfels of W. R. Cobb Company, Richard Weisenfeld of East Greenwich, R.I. and Wolleman.
Newly elected to the organization’s Advisory Board for a two-year term was Phyllis Bergman of Mercury Ring, while Richard Greenwood of A. F. Greenwood Co. Inc. and F. Daniel Pharr of Pharr Valuation & Business Svcs. LLC were re-elected.
In addition, the JBT announced that the nine following board members will continue to serve their existing terms:
--Jared Ashland of Appleton, Wisc.;
--Danielle Ingwer Cohen, Leo Ingwer Inc. in New York;
-- Brian Fleming, Carla Corporation in E. Providence, R.I.;
-- Kevin Green, Seiko Corporation of America in Mahwah, N.J.;
-- Kaplan of Rocket Jewelry Box;
-- Katz of Samuel Aaron Inc.;
-- Richard LeStage, LeStage Manufacturing Co. in Attleboro Falls, Mass.;
-- Avi Raz, A & Z Pearls, Inc., Los Angeles; and
-- Pinny Rubin of Quality Gold Inc. in Fairfield, Ohio.
The Latest

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.


The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.