CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
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
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
