MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
OtherAug 10, 2016
Jewelers Mutual awards top agents and agencies
At its National Sales Conference held two weeks ago, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company handed out a number of awards, including its first inductees to the Agent Hall of Fame and the Legacy Award.
For the first time, Jewelers Mutual recognized its top agents with an induction into the Agent Hall of Fame. The five that were selected--Bob Carroll, Rick Franchi, Kent McClenahan, Karen Signorino and Rhea Van Hook--were chosen because they “demonstrate extensive experience in jewelers block insurance and long-term partnerships with Jewelers Mutual,” according to the company.
The inductees were recognized for their commitment to excellence serving the industry and Jewelers Mutual’s commercial policyholders. They are regarded by the company as trusted advisors that demonstrate outstanding expertise in the areas of underwriting and loss prevention, Jewelers Mutual said, many of whom have also served as mentors to other agents.
Also at the sales conference, Jewelers Mutual awarded Bob Carroll of Robert G. Carroll & Associates with the company’s first Legacy Award.
Carroll has been an independent agent for the company for more than 35 years. He is also a long-time advocate for jeweler safety and security, sharing loss prevention information with jewelers through the “CrimeFax” crime alert and loss prevention bulletin sent to jewelers throughout the Southwest.
He also writes “The Best Policy," a column in Southern Jewelry News and Mid-America Jewelry News on topics related to security, loss prevention, and jewelry insurance. He serves on a number of industry boards and is also active in his local community in Edmond, Okla.
“When people think of Jewelers Mutual, they think of people like Bob Carroll--agents who are passionate about the jewelry industry, know the business inside and out and understand the risks jewelers face every day,” said President and CEO Darwin Copeman. “He stands out among his peers for his commitment to loss prevention, his service to the jewelers in his area and his commitment to representing Jewelers Mutual.”
Jewelers Mutual also recognized its top agencies for their expertise in jewelers block insurance, naming the businesses to the President’s Club and the Centerstone Circle in recognition of their efforts to serve Jewelers Mutual policyholders.
In the President’s Club are All American Insurance, AP Intego Insurance Group, CAI Insurance Agency,
Child-Genovese Insurance Agency, Clockwork Insurance Services, Insurance Specialists of Virginia, MJM Global Insurance Brokerage Group, Mountain States Insurance Marketing, The Clippinger Insurance Agency, The Insurance Marketplace, The McMahon Company, The Signature Group and Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA.
In the Centerstone Circle are Associated Agencies, CJB Insurance Services, Dawson Insurance, JMI Insurance Services, Judy Carter & Associates, Lubin-Bergman Organization, M L Cutler & Co., Riemer Insurance Group, Roach Howard Smith & Barton, Robert G Carroll & Associates and Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman.
All awards were presented at the company’s annual National Sales Conference, which brings together block agents from across the country and Canada.
More on Other
The Latest
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
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.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
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.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
