Bain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
JBT Announces its New Board
The Jewelers Board of Trade elected new officers and directors earlier this year.

New York—The Jewelers Board of Trade elected new officers and directors at its annual company meeting and most recent board meeting, both held earlier this year.
The organization elected Michael L. Kaplan of Rocket Jewelry Box Inc. out of Elmsford, New York, as chairman; Ann S. Arnold of Buyers International Group, LLC out of Napa, California, as first vice-chairman; and Richard Katz of Richline Group, Inc. out of New York City as second vice-chairman.
Richard Weisenfeld was again elected to the role of president as well as to the role of treasurer, while Brenda M. Pimentel was elected secretary.
The aforementioned individuals will serve in these roles for a one-year term.
Additionally, newly elected to the board for a two-year term is Matthijs Braakman, group publisher and CEO at SmartWork Media, the publisher of InStore Magazine.
Braakman has 20 years of experience in the fine jewelry industry and 18 years of business-to-business publishing experience.
At its recent meetings, the JBT also re-elected several members for another two-year period, including Kaplan and Katz.
The other re-elected board members are: Tim Coggins of Bank RI in Providence, Rhode Island; Jeffery Corey of H.E. Murdock Company Inc. in Waterville, Maine; Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation in E. Providence, Rhode Island; Michael Pelto of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group out of Neenah, Wisconsin; and Pinny Rubin of Quality Gold Inc., out of Fairfield, Ohio.
Members continuing to serve their current terms, including Arnold, are: Ira Bergman of The Gordan Company, Inc. in Pompano Beach, Florida; David Bonney of Lux Bond & Green, Inc. out of West Hartford, Connecticut; Edward N. DeCristofaro of LDC, Inc. in E. Providence, Rhode Island; Roderick Lichtenfels of W.R. Cobby Company in E. Providence, Rhode Island; Keven Peck of Color Merchants, Inc. in New York, New York; Nilesh Sheth of Forever Collections, Inc. in Los Angeles, California; and Todd Wolleman of Leo Wolleman, Inc. in Mount Vernon, New York.
Phyllis Bergman of Phyllis Bergman Co. in New York and Richard Greenwood of A.F. Greenwood Co. Inc. in New York also continue to serve their existing terms as advisory board members.
For more information, contact Brenda Pimentel at 401-467-0055, ext. 3512 or bpimentel@jewelersboard.com.
The JBT is a resource for jewelry industry-related data, credit reporting, debt collections and marketing services. It provides members services to help them make better and more knowledgeable decisions regarding credit, and business and marketing strategy.
The Latest

The exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.


Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.

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

Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.

“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

The watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.

The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.

The “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.

It’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

The show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.

The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.























