ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
OtherSep 25, 2014
Appointments: 24 Karat Club, Buccellati, more
Another jeweler awarded the certified gemologist appraiser title, a new CEO at Buccellati and a former Tiffany executive joining the Talisman Collection are among the industry’s recent career moves.
New York--Another jeweler awarded the certified gemologist appraiser title, a new CEO at Buccellati and a former Tiffany executive joining the Talisman Collection are among the industry’s recent career moves.
Christine Edlund of Stuart Benjamin & Co. Jewelry Designs in San Diego recently was awarded the certified gemologist appraiser title by the American Gem Society.
Edlund already was accredited as an AGS certified gemologist but had to pass additional requirements to become a CGA. This included a two-part exam with theory questions and practical assignments based on performing a number of accurate appraisals for a variety of jewelry items.
There are currently around 400 AGS jewelers in North America that are CGAs.
Stuart Benjamin & Co. said that it has an accredited gemologist laboratory on premises that includes a binocular microscope, a set of five AGS mast diamonds for color grading purposes, gem testing equipment and a gemological library of reference materials.
-----
The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and its board of directors will honor Karen Signorino of Jewelers Mutual Insurance and Ricardo Basta of Ricardo Basta Fine Jewelry with its Excellence in Service awards.
The award is bestowed every year upon jewelers who exemplify the values of the 24 Karat Club, social responsibility, integrity, and honor, and have made a significant contribution to the industry.
Signorino has been a part of the jewelry industry for more than 35 years. She currently serves as the regional sales director for JM Insurance Services LLC and has represented Jewelers Mutual as one of their insurance agents since 1978.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Basta got his start in the industry when he moved to Los Angeles at 19 and started working in his uncle’s jewelry store. He then started working for Frances Klein, restoring Art Deco, Edwardian and Victorian jewelry pieces, inspiring his own award-winning creations and designs.
The two will receive their awards at the club’s 69th annual gala, scheduled for Oct. 11. This year’s event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey in Marina del Rey, Calif. For more information or tickets, email Lisa Schoening at info@jewelers24karatclub.com.
-----
The Buccellati Group has appointed fashion and luxury veteran Gianluca Brozzetti as its new CEO.
The company said in its statement that Brozzetti will carry out the growth process of the brand that was started almost two years ago when Clessidra
Private Equity Fund entered the group as a shareholder.
Brozzetti has been in the luxury goods sector for more than 28 years, working as marketing and sales manager at Gucci, executive director of the jewelry and watches division at Bulgari Group, and president and CEO at Louis Vuitton.
Coinciding with the appointment, CEO Thierry Andretta has left his position and has been appointed as vice president of the group, supporting management in the development plans for the brand in international markets.
-----
Jewelry retail chain Talisman Collection has named former Tiffany & Co. executive Jill O’Neill as vice president of sales and management for the company’s retail locations and e-commerce divisions. She’ll oversee sales, training and human capital.
At Tiffany, O’Neill was selected to open the company’s Roseville, Calif. location after training at its Fifth Avenue corporate headquarters and East Coast manufacturing centers.
-----
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has announced that fine diamond and gemstone jewelry manufacturer and wholesaler P.J. Watson is the winner of this year’s Gem Empathy Award.
Gem-A said the company was selected for its multi-purpose tourmaline and diamond peacock feather brooch, which was created especially for the International Jewellery London show.
P.J. Watson’s winning piece, designed by John Watson, featured a 23.81-carat tourmaline center stone and 3.94-carats of G color, VS clarity diamonds all set in 18-karat white gold.
The Gem Empathy Award is presented every year on the last day of the IJL show to the exhibitor who displays, according to the judges, a single piece or collection of jewelry that makes “captivating use” of one or more gemstones and provides accurate ethical descriptions, as well as displays creativity and imagination.
Brozzetti has been in the luxury goods sector for more than 28 years, working as marketing and sales manager at Gucci, executive director of the jewelry and watches division at Bulgari Group, and president and CEO at Louis Vuitton.
Coinciding with the appointment, CEO Thierry Andretta has left his position and has been appointed as vice president of the group, supporting management in the development plans for the brand in international markets.
-----
Jewelry retail chain Talisman Collection has named former Tiffany & Co. executive Jill O’Neill as vice president of sales and management for the company’s retail locations and e-commerce divisions. She’ll oversee sales, training and human capital.
At Tiffany, O’Neill was selected to open the company’s Roseville, Calif. location after training at its Fifth Avenue corporate headquarters and East Coast manufacturing centers.
-----
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has announced that fine diamond and gemstone jewelry manufacturer and wholesaler P.J. Watson is the winner of this year’s Gem Empathy Award.
Gem-A said the company was selected for its multi-purpose tourmaline and diamond peacock feather brooch, which was created especially for the International Jewellery London show.
P.J. Watson’s winning piece, designed by John Watson, featured a 23.81-carat tourmaline center stone and 3.94-carats of G color, VS clarity diamonds all set in 18-karat white gold.
The Gem Empathy Award is presented every year on the last day of the IJL show to the exhibitor who displays, according to the judges, a single piece or collection of jewelry that makes “captivating use” of one or more gemstones and provides accurate ethical descriptions, as well as displays creativity and imagination.
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
