Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
Signet CFO Leaving the Company in 2019
Michele Santana is “pursuing other opportunities” after eight years with the retail jeweler.

Akron, Ohio—Signet’s chief financial officer will leave the company next year to “pursue other opportunities,” the retailer announced Thursday.
Michele Santana has been with Signet since 2010, when she started as senior vice president and financial controller, and was promoted to CFO in 2014.
During her eight years with the retail jeweler, she oversaw the acquisition of Ultra Stores Inc. in 2012, the 2014 purchase of Zale Corp. and, most recently, the acquisition of James Allen parent company R2Net.
Santana also executed the company’s outsourcing of its credit programs, which it completed in July, and developed the cost optimization program for the three-year turnaround plan launched in March.
“I see this as the right time for me to move on to new challenges, and I look forward to facilitating a smooth transition. I am confident that Signet is well positioned to reach exciting new heights,” Santana said in a company statement issued Thursday, the same day the retailer reported its second quarter sales results.
Signet said it has begun looking outside the company for Santana’s replacement and expects to have someone in the role by the end of its current fiscal year in January 2019.
Santana will continue as CFO until her successor is found and will be in an advisory role after that, including into 2019.
The Latest

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.


The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”





















