Peter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
WD Lab Grown Diamonds Appoints New CEO
Sue Rechner will head the Maryland-based company.
Laurel, Md.—WD Lab Grown Diamonds has appointed Sue Rechner as its new CEO, the company announced Tuesday.
As part of a planned leadership transition, Rechner will step in for founder Clive Hill, who will stay on as an active board member and shareholder.
Rechner has experience in the watch and jewelry and consumer products industries.
Most recently, she was global president of outdoor footwear company Merrell, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, and also spent nearly 10 years as CEO of Confluence Outdoor.
Rechner also served as president of Victorinox Swiss Army and CEO of Victorinox Swiss Army Watch, and has leadership experience with a variety of brands, including Movado, Seiko, Citizen and Frederick Goldman, WD Lab Grown Diamonds said.
“I look forward to joining the WD team as we seek to expand our product and services offerings,” she said.
“I see WD as a leading force in transforming an industry that has been historically plagued by traceability issues, which is an issue of growing importance with an increasing number of conscientious consumers.”
Founded in 2008, WD Lab Grown Diamonds specializes in growing diamonds using the chemical vapor deposition, or CVD, process.
The company is owned by founder Hill, Yarden Tsach, Huron Capital, The Carnegie Institution of Washington and other members of WD management.
Detroit-based private equity firm Huron Capital invested in the lab-grown diamond company in 2018, enabling it to expand its capacity and growth.
The Latest
Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
The company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
The necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
The 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
The watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
The jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
The online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
The awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
In this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
Schneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Gemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
With versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
The executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
The New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Adrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
The pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.