AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
OtherMar 18, 2015
Former Tiffany exec joins Worthy as president
Worthy, an online marketplace for pre-owned luxury goods, has named former Tiffany & Co. executive Peter Schneirla as its first president.
New York--Worthy, an online marketplace for pre-owned luxury goods, has named former Tiffany & Co. executive Peter Schneirla as its first president.
In his new role, Schneirla will be in charge of forging strategic partnerships, fostering business growth and overseeing the expansion of the company’s in-house grading labs.
Prior to joining Worthy, he held various positions in the international jewelry, colored stone, and diamond markets, including roles at Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, De Beers, LVMH, the Gemological Institute of America and many more.
During his eight years at Tiffany, Schneirla served as executive vice president and chief gemologist, responsible for expanding the whole jewelry division and “bringing the Tiffany & Co. permanent collection to life.”
He is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and has served as its director of resident education.
Schneirla also served on the board of directors of both the American Gem Society and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
Sotheby’s names new CEO
Sotheby’s has hired Tad Smith as its new president and CEO, effective March 31. He also will join the company’s board of directors.
Smith is replacing William Ruprecht, who has served as Sotheby’s CEO since 2000.
Prior to Sotheby’s, Smith was the president and CEO of the Madison Square Garden Company, a role he was in since February 2014 and which required him to oversee the strategy and day-to-day operations of MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment.
Concurrent with the announcement of Smith’s hire, Sotheby’s also said that it would now separate the roles of CEO and chairman of the board. The board has elected Lead Independent Director Domenico De Sole to succeed Ruprecht as chairman.
Zenith promotes from within for brand director
Cedric Laroche, who has been at Zenith since 2012, has been promoted to the position of North American brand director, effective April 1.
He will be in charge of Zenith’s U.S. subsidiary as well as all sales and marketing activities in North America.
Laroche’s career in the watch industry began in 2005. He held various positions throughout Europe, Russia, Middle East and Asia, joining Zenith in 2012 as brand director of North Europe, including the Benelux, Scandinavian and French markets.
JBT holds annual elections
The Jewelers Board of Trade has elected new officers and directors to the board.
The following have been selected to serve a one-year term.
--Chairman: Richard Weisenfeld, Pranda North America, Cranston, R.I.
--First Vice-Chairman: Todd Wolleman, Leo Wolleman, New York, N.Y.
--Second Vice-Chairman: Michael Kaplan, Rocket Jewelry Box, Bronx, N.Y
--President: Dione Kenyon
--Secretary: Brenda Pimentel
--Treasurer: Alisa Dumond
--Second Vice-Chairman: Michael Kaplan, Rocket Jewelry Box, Bronx, N.Y
--President: Dione Kenyon
--Secretary: Brenda Pimentel
--Treasurer: Alisa Dumond
Re-elected to the board for another two years are the following.
--Phyllis Bergman, Mercury Ring (division of Interjewel USA, Inc.), New York, N.Y.
--Brian Fleming, Carla Corporation, East Providence, R.I.
--Kevin Green, Seiko Corporation of America, Mahwah, N.J.
--Michael Kaplan, Rocket Jewelry Box, Bronx, N.Y.
--Richard Katz, Samuel Aaron, Inc., Long Island City, N.Y.
--Richard LeStage, LeStage Manufacturing Co., Attleboro Falls, Mass.
--Avi Raz, A & Z Pearls, Los Angeles, Calif.
--Pinny Rubin, Quality Gold, Fairfield, Ohio
The following board members will continue to serve existing terms.
--Ann Arnold, Arnold Advisory Group, Norwood, N.J.
--Anthony Capuano, HSBC Bank USA, Rehoboth, M.A.
--Edward DeCristofaro, LDC, E. Providence, R.I.
--Philip Holden, The Gordon Company, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
--Basant Johari, Kuber Manufacturing, New York, N.Y.
--Roderick Lichtenfels, W. R. Cobb Company, E. Providence, R.I.
--Richard Weisenfeld, Pranda North America, Cranston, R.I.
--Todd Wolleman, Leo Wolleman, New York, N.Y.
Newly elected to the board for two-year terms are Danielle Ingwer Cohen of Leo Ingwer Inc. in New York, and Jared Ashland of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. in Neenah, W.I.
Board members who will continue to serve existing terms are Richard Greenwood of A. F. Greenwood Co. in New York and F. Daniel Pharr of Pharr Valuation & Business Svcs. in Richmond, Va.
Editor's Note: This article was updated on March 19, 2015 to reflect that Peter Schneirla is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, rather than holding a Certified Gemologist Degree from the institute, as it incorrectly stated.
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
