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 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

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.




















