The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
Pam Mortensen Re-Elected Chair of JFC Board
The J.C. Penney executive was among current officers re-elected and the 10 new directors added at the charity’s semi-annual meeting.

New York—The Jewelers for Children board elected 10 new directors at its semi-annual meeting in Las Vegas in June.
Current officers also were re-elected to a second one-year term at the meeting.
All terms begin Oct. 1.
Pam Mortensen, senior vice president and general merchandise manager for fine and fashion jewelry and watches at J.C. Penney, was re-elected chairwoman of the board.
Other officers re-elected were as follows: Debra Puzio, Starluxe LLC, vice president for fundraising and chair-elect; John White, Fossil Group, vice president for special programs; Jeffrey Cohen, Citizen Watch America, vice president for charity programs; Howard Hauben, H2 Events/Centurion Jewelry Show, vice president for marketing and public relations; Alan Zimmer, Reeds Jewelers, treasurer; and Sebastian Hobbs, Signet Jewelers Ltd., secretary.
Ten new directors were elected to three-year terms: Alexis Padis, Padis Jewelers; Joel Schechter, Richline Group/Honora; Sheri Ihde, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.; Craig Rottenberg, Long’s Jewelers; Kilian Muller, TAG Heuer; Beth Gerstein, Brilliant Earth; Stephen Moore, Macy’s; Alex Grinberg, Movado Group; and Sarin Bachman, JCK Events.
Six directors also were re-elected to second terms of three years: Michael Benavente, Bulova; Gannon Brousseau, Emerald Expositions; Karen Goracke, Borsheims; Abhay Javeri, SDC Designs; Jenny Luker, Platinum Guild International; and Sam Sandberg, A. Jaffe.
Nine directors concluded their terms on the board. They were: Alan Chinich, Movado Group; David Cochran, MJSA; Jeff Corey, Day’s Jewelers; Vicki Cunningham, Cunningham Fine Jewelers; Jerry Ehrenwald, International Gemological Institute; Scott McQuaid, In House Jewelers; and Eddie Le Vian, LeVian.
Since its inception in 1999, Jewelers for Children has donated more than $55 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse or neglect.
The Latest

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.


YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.

President Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”

The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.

Its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

The event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.

She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.

The “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.

The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.

Through a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.


























