Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Jewelers for Children Names New Directors
The charity organization has a total of 14 new directors, all of whom assumed their roles on Oct. 1.

New York--Jewelers for Children announced the name of its 14 new directors on Monday, all of whom assumed their roles on Oct. 1 following election by the JFC board this summer.
The new directors are: Evan Berkley, Jacmel Jewelry Inc.; Katy Briggs, Hallmark Jewelry; Caryl Capeci, Hearts On Fire; Rudy Chavez, Cartier; Cora Lee Colaizzi, Quality Gold; Dan Dean, Asurion; Jake Duneier, Clyde Duneier; Sebastian Hobbs, Signet Jewelers Inc.; Howard Hauben, Centurion Jewelry shows; Howard Hurwitz, Howard’s Jewelry Center; Scott Key, Alex & Ani; Anna Martin, Gemological Institute of America; Scott Saunders, London Jewelers; and Trina Woldt, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.
The board of the jewelry industry nonprofit, which donates to causes include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Make-a-Wish Foundation, also voted to re-elect the current executive committee to an additional one-year term and added one.
The officers re-elected were: Dennis Ulrich, Richline Group, chairman; Mark Light, Signet Jewelers, vice president of charity programs; Pam Mortensen, J.C. Penney Co. Inc., vice president of fundraising; John White, Fossil Inc., vice president of marketing and public relations; Debra Puzio, Star Luxe LLC, vice president of special programs; Howard Hauben, secretary; Alan Zimmer, Reeds Jewelers, treasurer; and the American Gem Society’s Ruth Batson, who will continue as immediate past chair and chair the nominating committee.
In addition, the JFC announced that three current directors were elected to a second three-year term: R. Andrew Johnson, the Diamond Cellar; Moshe Klein, Julius Klein; and Charles Stanley, Forevermark.
Thirteen directors also concluded their terms on the board: Nabil Abdallah and Patrick Drummond, Jewelers Mutual; Debbie Azar, Gemological Science International; Scott Berg, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry; Rebecca Foerster, Leo Schachter Diamonds; Russell Kwiat, Kwiat; Michael Langhammer, Quality Gold Inc.; Dipu Mehta, Rosy Blue; Carol Pennelli, David Yurman; Mark Udell, London Jewelers; Steve Velasquez, Bailey, Banks & Biddle; Joshua Weinman, Firestar; and Bobby Wilkerson, Wilkerson.
The Latest

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.


The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

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

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.