U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
DEF Elects GIA’s Anna Martin as President
Stuart Lee, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Signet Jewelers, also was added to the board at a meeting last month.

New York--The Diamond Empowerment Fund’s announced that it has elected Anna Martin as president of its board of directors at the annual board meeting held last month.
Martin is senior vice president of global development and beneficiation for the Gemological Institute of America.
She succeeds Phyllis Bergman, who served a five-year term and oversaw the organization’s growth to embrace its mission of education empowerment for youth from diamond communities around the world and championing the organization’s consumer messaging strategy, “Diamonds Do Good,” which Martin will continue.
“Never has there been a more important time to communicate to the next generation of diamond purchasers the positive narrative surrounding diamonds.” --Anna MartinThe DEF also welcomes new board member Stuart Lee, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Signet Jewelers Inc.
Lee joins a leadership team that already includes Vice Presidents Ed Hrabak, retiring Signet Jewelers COO who will remain on the board in a personal capacity, and Varda Shine; Secretary Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of Reed Jewelry Group; and Treasurer Richard Slomovitz, CFO of Rush Communications.
DEF will hold its 2017 Diamonds Do Good awards gala on Sunday, June 4, at the Four Seasons Ballroom in Las Vegas.
“Never has there been a more important time to communicate to the next generation of diamond purchasers the positive narrative surrounding diamonds,” Martin said. “I am confident that with the depth of talent on our board from all across the diamond pipeline, and with the support of every member of the industry, we will impress on consumers that ‘Diamonds Do Good.’”
The Latest

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.


“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.