MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
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
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
