EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsFeb 28, 2018
Christopher Designs Appoints Two to Top Executive Spots
The New York City-based jewelry manufacturer has named a new chief marketing officer and a vice president of sales.
New York--New York City-based jewelry manufacturer Christopher Designs has appointed two industry veterans to executive-level positions.
The brand has named Michael O’Connor as its chief marketing officer. In his new role, O’Connor will be responsible for the strategic planning, development and execution of the company’s marketing, advertising and public relations as well as the development of new business and sales channels.
For the past eight years, he has been president of Style & Substance, Inc., working with such brands as Platinum Guild International, the Couture show, Baume & Mercier and Rio Tinto Diamonds.
Before that, he served as senior vice president of Platinum Guild International USA, heading up strategic development and marketing, advertising and public relations, and as the vice president of Goldstein Communications, where he developed and executed initiatives for a variety of clients like Tache, the Luxury and JCK shows, and Faberge.
O’Connor also previously was the director of corporate marketing at Frederick Goldman, creating and building a number of brands in the company’s portfolio, like ArtCarved, Keepsake and Diana.
He started his career in jewelry sales and design, having designed for a number of brands. He helped to create the design concept for De Beers’ “Past, Present, Future” campaign, and also has had years of experience as a television spokesperson.
Christopher Designs also named Margaret Becker as vice president of sales, effective immediately.
She has been with the company for 14 years, holding several roles, including her most recent as sales executive manager.
She was hired by the company at first to expand Christopher Designs overseas, and she eventually grew the company into a multi-million dollar business.
In her new role, she will be responsible for the sales growth of the company as well as managing its U.S. sales representatives.
Christopher Designs has a portfolio of proprietary and patented diamond cuts, including the Crisscut and L’Amour Crisscut.
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