AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsMay 09, 2019
Spence Diamonds Names Veeral Rathod New CEO
The newly-appointed CEO chatted with National Jeweler about his plans for the retailer and his push for more education on lab-grown diamonds.
Veeral Rathod, who joined Spence Diamonds in September 2018, is now the company’s CEO.
Dallas—Spence Diamonds has named Veeral Rathod its new CEO effective immediately, the diamond retailer announced Tuesday.
Rathod joined the Vancouver-based retailer—which specializes in both lab-grown and mined diamonds—in September 2018 as its chief marketing officer, but the company said it always planned to put him in the top spot.
“Elevating Veeral to CEO is the culmination of the plan we’ve had for him since day one,” said executive chairman Eric Lindberg in a statement.
Jim Schneider, who served as president since the company’s acquisition in 2015, has made his exit after moving to California.
There are no immediate plans to hire a replacement chief marketing officer, but Rathod confirmed to National Jeweler that a marketing team will be built out over the next few months.
He brings to his new role a strong background in consumer retail and luxury goods.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and previously worked in the financial sector, serving as vice president at Greenhill Cogent and as an M&A analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston, Technology Group.
“I like to lead from the front and get to know the business from the inside out,” he said of his management style.
Prior to his time at Spence Diamonds, Rathod served as the CEO of J. Hilburn, a men's lifestyle brand, which he co-founded in 2007.
Rathod noted that menswear and the jewelry industry are similar in the sense that both are long overdue to be updated and ripe for innovation.
J. Hilburn offers custom suiting, and everything from shirts and jackets to shoes and neckwear.
Spence Diamonds similarly offers customized and personalized products, made-to-order and delivered in about a week.
Rathod said he wants to reimagine the jewelry retail space through education about lab-grown diamonds, aiming to appeal to younger consumers looking for more value for their money.
“Retail is not a passive, transactional experience,” said Rathod, stressing the importance of educating the consumer.
Spence Diamonds employees go through GIA certification as well as an internal training program, said Rathod, preparing them to explain the differences between natural and lab-created diamonds and answer any questions a customer may ask.
While Rathod said he’s indifferent to whether customers choose a natural or lab-grown diamond, shoppers deserve to make an educated choice between the categories.
About 80 percent of Spence’s in-store customers choose lab-grown over natural diamonds after discussing both options, he said.
The retailer has eight locations in Canada and
five in the United States, including stores in Texas, Arizona and California.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
