Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine
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,
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.
The Latest

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.


The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.