AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2020
Ethical Metalsmiths Names New Board, Council Members
Monica Stephenson of Anza Gems and Moyo Gems is the new president of the board of directors.
New York—Ethical Metalsmiths has added new members to its board of directors and advisory council, and elected a new board president.
Founded in 2004, Ethical Metalsmiths includes buyers, jewelers, designers and suppliers working toward a more responsible and environmentally conscious jewelry industry.
The group has named Monica Stephenson, of Anza Gems and Moyo Gems, as the new president of its board of directors for a three-year term. Immediate past board President Alexandra Hart has taken on the role of executive director.
Eric Braunwart, president of Columbia Gem House, has joined the board.
His company operates several gem cutting facilities around the world and works with governments, nonprofits and miners to ensure a more ethical mine-to-market gemstone supply chain.
Jessica Hudson, founder of The Nomad Jeweler, is a longtime member of Ethical Metalsmiths but a new addition to the board.
Hudson is an advocate for responsible sourcing and the environment, organizing trips to international supply chain sites to see responsible practices firsthand.
In addition to being a new board member, Kathleen Kennedy is an adjunct professor and metals area coordinator in the Craft/Material Studies Department at Virginia Commonwealth University.
She is also the co-director of Radical Jewelry Makeover, the international community jewelry mining and recycling program started by Ethical Metalsmiths in 2017.
Jared Holstein, co-founder of Perpetuum Jewels and owner of D’Amadeo, is a new addition to the Ethical Metalsmiths advisory council. He is also on the board of Jewelry Industry Summit and was part of the Jewelry Glossary Project.
Niki Grandics, founder of the “ethical with an edge” Enji Studio Jewelry brand, also joins the advisory council. In addition to her new role on the council, Grandics is Ethical Metalsmiths’ marketing co-chair.
Kathleen Lynagh House, a jewelry designer and creative consultant, is another addition to the advisory council.
With degrees in graphic design, jewelry, and web design, she created the group’s website and serves as its website design and development chair.
Jewelry designer Tracy Matthews, founder of consultancy group Flourish and Thrive Academy, also joined the council.
She is best known for her “contemporary, cutting-edge multi-media marketing of jewelry design companies,” said Ethical Metalsmiths.
And, finally, Pat Syvrud, program manager of the minerals, materials and society and jewelry development impact index at the University of Delaware, also is becoming a member of Ethical Metalsmiths’ advisory council.
She is the former executive director of World Diamond Council, a board member of the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority, and has worked
at the Smithsonian Institution on the National Gem Collection.
Artist and educator Susie Ganch, co-founder and co-director of The Radical Jewelry Makeover program, will leave the board but stay involved in the group as an advisory council member.
Robin Gambhir of Fair Trade Jewellery Co. also has left the board but will serve on the council. He was instrumental in the creation of the Ethical Metalsmiths Supplier Members self-assessments.
For more information about the organization, visit Ethical Metalsmiths.org.
Artist and educator Susie Ganch, co-founder and co-director of The Radical Jewelry Makeover program, will leave the board but stay involved in the group as an advisory council member.
Robin Gambhir of Fair Trade Jewellery Co. also has left the board but will serve on the council. He was instrumental in the creation of the Ethical Metalsmiths Supplier Members self-assessments.
For more information about the organization, visit Ethical Metalsmiths.org.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
