WatchesSep 21, 2023
Timex Wants Your Old WatchThe company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.
SourcingJun 08, 2018
Barbara Wheat Moves to New Position in the Ho Group
She is moving back to the U.S. from Bangkok and will be VP of international relations and business development for the company.
Barbara Wheat is leaving Bangkok to return to the United States and take on a new role within the Ho Group of Companies.
Bangkok--Industry veteran Barbara Wheat is returning to the United States this month and taking on a new position within the Ho Group of Companies.
Wheat lived in Bangkok and worked as president of the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), part of the Ho Group of Companies. She is leaving that position to become the Ho Group’s vice president of international relations and business development for the company, and will live in Florida.
“As much as I have enjoyed my role with AIGS, I am looking forward to representing the Ho Group of Companies internationally,” Wheat said. “I decided I wanted to return to the U.S. to live near my mother, who is 89 this year.”
In her new position, she will work to raise the profile and boost the client base of the Ho Group of Companies, which include the AIGS Lab and School; the Jewelry Trade Center, a skyscraper in downtown Bangkok that contains a number of jewelry businesses; the Asia Gem Center brokerage; and gemstones trading platform Gemwow.com.
She will work with Henry Ho, founder and chairman emeritus of AIGS, on special projects including the Bangkok Diamond and Precious Stones Exchange, the NCDIA Asia, the World Ruby Forum, the World’s Most Beautiful Ruby Contest, the first China Ruby-Sapphire Forum, the Africa Asia Gem Corridor, the Ruby Heart of Love and the Blue Ocean Heart Art for Humanity Global Tour.
“We’re very sorry to see Barbara leave Bangkok but are pleased that she will still be working with our group of companies in a key strategic role to develop international business opportunities,” Ho said.
Wheat holds a master of science focused on sustainability management from Columbia University.
She previously served as executive director of the International Colored Gemstone Association and executive vice president of the Natural Color Diamond Association.
Wheat also is now partnering with Joe Menzie, whom she worked with at ICA, to launch Gemstone Expeditions, a company that offers members of the trade guided trips to important gemstone mining areas around the world.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
GradingSep 21, 2023
Retailers Warned About Fraudulent Email Purportedly From GIA The lab confirmed it did not send the message.
AuctionsSep 21, 2023
Hindman Appoints New SVP, Director of Jewelry and WatchesReginald Brack has worked at StockX and Christie’s.
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your StaffAwareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.
MajorsSep 21, 2023
Artistry’s 2024 Catalog Has ShippedIt features colored gemstone, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver jewelry styles.
Weekly QuizSep 15, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Lab-GrownSep 20, 2023
Lab-Grown Diamond Outlook: Price Declines Aren’t a Deterrent Some Indian manufacturers think the potential in this young, evolving market outweighs current price concerns.
SourcingSep 20, 2023
New Surat Diamond Bourse To Be World’s Largest Office Complex The massive space spans 7.1 million square feet with more than 4,000 offices and 131 elevators.
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog SolutionsDo you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.
Policies & IssuesSep 20, 2023
Creating a Brighter Future for the Differently Abled GIA is among the supporters of a new school building for children with special needs.
SurveysSep 20, 2023
Why Bain and Deloitte Think Sales Will Grow This Holiday SeasonFrom holiday spending to inflation’s impact, here’s what analysts are forecasting for the season.
MajorsSep 20, 2023
Tiffany Collabs With Fellow LVMH-Owned Rimowa The jeweler and luxury luggage company have teamed up on jewelry cases and a suitcase.
GradingSep 20, 2023
Navneet Gems Introduces Portrait-Cut RubiesThe geometric collection is on view now at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong Show.
AuctionsSep 19, 2023
‘Bleu Royal’ Diamond to Fetch $35M-$50M at Auction The 17.61-carat stone leads Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva this November.
CrimeSep 19, 2023
Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison Following Bear Spray RobberyThe suspect used bear spray to subdue employees and bystanders then stole $800,000 worth of jewelry.
GradingSep 19, 2023
Fuli Gemstones Unveils New Peridot CutThe ‘Fuli Cut’ is based on an antique cushion.
MajorsSep 19, 2023
Norwegian Man Uncovers Ancient Jewels with Metal DetectorThe jewels, including gold rings and pendants, are said to be from 500 A.D.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2023
Grib Diamonds Among Companies Named in Latest Round of SanctionsGrib is the Belgium-based subsidiary of Russian company JSC AGD Diamonds, which also was sanctioned.
SourcingSep 18, 2023
Greenland Ruby Update Confirms Operational Suspension, LayoffsThe company anticipates resuming exploration and mining operations and rehiring staff in 2025.
Events & AwardsSep 18, 2023
New York City Jewelry & Watch Show Announces 2023 Exhibitors The antique and vintage jewelry and watch selling event is scheduled for Oct. 26-29.
AuctionsSep 15, 2023
Men’s Jewelry Takes the Spotlight in Sotheby’s Selling Exhibition Frank Everett curated “For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition,” opening in New York City in September.
SourcingSep 15, 2023
‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Is Back Again, Backed by $20M De Beers is putting the emphasis on natural diamonds in Q4 and ending Lightbox’s lab-grown diamond engagement ring test run.
TrendsSep 15, 2023
Piece of the Week: Lindsey Scoggins’ Transformable EarringsThe brand-new style can be worn three ways.
TechnologySep 14, 2023
EBay Is Diving Deeper Into the Pre-Owned Pool The tech company is launching a consignment service for sellers of luxury fashion goods, starting with handbags.
MajorsSep 14, 2023
Kendra Scott Heads to Target With prices starting at $15, the Kendra Scott at Target collection launches next month.
Policies & IssuesSep 14, 2023
The JCK Industry Fund Is Accepting 2024 Grant Applications The fund provides grants to organizations that better the jewelry industry.
MajorsSep 14, 2023
CD Peacock To Offer Jewelry Insurance Through ZillionThe Chicago retailer will now offer in-store customers instant quotes and coverage.
MajorsSep 13, 2023
American Exchange Group Acquires DanecraftThe accessories conglomerate is expanding its reach in the jewelry industry.
