ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
MajorsApr 04, 2018
JBT Confirms Richard Weisenfeld as President
He has been serving as acting president since October, when Anthony Capuano went on medical leave.
After serving as acting president since the fall, Richard Weisenfeld has been confirmed as president of the Jewelers Board of Trade.
Providence, R.I.--The board of directors of the Jewelers Board of Trade has confirmed the appointment of Richard Weisenfeld as president.
He has been serving in the position since October 2017, when Anthony Capuano announced he would be out on medical leave. Capuano then announced his retirement earlier this year.
Weisenfeld has served on the JBT board for 17 years. He was elected to the executive committee in 2008 and also served as chairman from 2014 to 2015.
He also has experience in executive positions in various jewelry companies over the last 45 years, including Pranda North America and most recently Riva Precision Manufacturing in Brooklyn, New York.
Weisenfeld is a member of the 24 Karat Club, Providence Jewelers Club, Boston Jewelers Club, Women’s Jewelry Association and International Precious Metals Institute.
He lives in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, with his wife, Jan.
His appointment follows closely on the heels of the announcement that Michael Kaplan, president of packaging and display company Rocket, is the new chairman of the board.
The board also recently elected the following officers and directors to serve a one-year term.
--First Vice-Chairman: Ann S. Arnold, Buyers International Group, LLC
--Second Vice-Chairman: Richard Katz, Richline Group, Inc.
--Secretary: Brenda M. Pimentel
--Treasurer: Richard Weisenfeld
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation also was appointed to the JBT Executive Committee.
The following people were elected to the board for a two-year term.
-- Keven Peck, Color Merchants, Inc.
--Jeffrey Sarfaty, Head of Credit Division, ABN AMRO Capital USA LLC
Directors re-elected to the board for two years are as follows.
--Ann S. Arnold, Buyers International Group
--Ira Bergman, The Gordon Company, Inc.
--David Bonney, Lux Bond & Green, Inc.
--Edward N. DeCristofaro, LDC, Inc.
--Roderick H. Lichtenfels, W. R. Cobb Company
--Nilesh Sheth, Forever Collections, Inc.
--Todd Wolleman, Leo Wolleman, Inc.
Re-elected to the advisory board for a period of two years are the following.
--Phyllis Bergman, Mercury Ring (Div. of Kiran Jewels USA)
--Richard Greenwood, A. F. Greenwood Co., Inc.
These board members will continue to serve existing terms.
--Danielle Ingwer Cohen, Leo Ingwer Inc.
--Jeffery Corey, H. E. Murdock Company Inc.
--Brian D. Fleming, Carla Corporation
--Kevin Green, Seiko Corporation of America
--Michael L. Kaplan, Rocket Jewelry Box, Inc.
--Richard Katz, Richline Group, Inc.
--Michael Pelto, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company
--Avi Raz, A & Z Pearls, Inc.
--Pinny Rubin, Quality Gold Inc.
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
