From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Jewelers Mutual CEO to retire, new leader named
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. announced Tuesday that its board of directors has selected a new president and CEO to replace Darwin Copeman, who will retire in 2015.
Neenah, Wis.--Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. announced Tuesday that its board of directors has selected a new president and CEO to replace Darwin Copeman, who will retire in 2015.
Scott Murphy formerly served as an executive partner and principal at Triad Analytic Solutions, an Advance, N.C.-based insurance industry consulting group that offers product, pricing/underwriting and distribution solutions for numerous insurance-related businesses in varying industries.
Past positions include roles as chief operating officer at GMAC Insurance as well as executive or management positions within the Great American family of insurance carriers, Infinity Insurance and Windsor Insurance Group.
Murphy, who will be relocating from North Carolina with his wife and two daughters to take the position, will start at Jewelers Mutual in January.
Commenting on Murphy’s hire in a statement from Jewelers Mutual, board chairman Mark Fiebrink said, “Jewelers Mutual’s board of directors is unique in that it includes representation from both the jewelry industry and the insurance industry, making it a strong leadership team for a company so deeply connected throughout the industry it serves. We expect that Scott Murphy is going to be a terrific asset to the company, leading Jewelers Mutual into its next century of success.”
Jewelers Mutual celebrated 100 years of providing insurance to jewelers in 2013. The company has earned 27 consecutive ratings of A+ Superior from A.M. Best Company and is listed among the Ward’s 50 top-performing insurance companies.
Copeman has headed Jewelers Mutual since May 2009. “I’m truly blessed to have led such an amazing company, and I look forward to Jewelers Mutual’s continued success,” he said.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Murphy earned his MBA from the Knoxville-based school in 1993. He currently resides in Winston-Salem, N.C. with his wife, Cheri, and two teenage daughters, Ashlee and Emilee.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.




















