MajorsNov 16, 2020
De Beers’ Jonathan Kendall To Retire After 20 YearsPolicies & IssuesMar 24, 2021
Former De Beers Exec Named EVP of CIBJO
Jonathan Kendall set a goal of giving the industry the tools “to win the hearts and minds of the next generation.”
Jonathan Kendall, the former head of De Beers Group Industry Services and of Forevermark Operations, has been named the executive vice president of CIBJO.
Milan—CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, announced the appointment of Jonathan Kendall as its executive vice president Tuesday.
The former De Beers executive was nominated by CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri and approved by the CIBJO Board of Directors.
“He will be a trusted advisor on all issues, but in particular will play an instrumental role in plotting a course for the 21st century, helping us develop solutions for a business environment and a marketplace that are more digital, interconnected, and socially and environmentally conscious,” said Cavalieri in a press release about the appointment.
Kendall, previously the head of De Beers Group Industry Services and head of Forevermark Operations, retired at the end of 2020 after nearly 20 years with the company.
At De Beers, Kendall helped to create the company’s Best Practice Principles.
“As an industry, we have much to achieve in the coming decade to maintain consumer demand,” said Kendall, noting that the jewelry industry must continue to represent creativity and beauty while also emphasizing sustainability.
“My personal goal will be to help CIBJO provide the industry with the knowledge and tools to win the hearts and minds of the next generation.”
A longtime active member of CIBJO, Kendall serves as the president of the group’s Marketing and Education Commission, and has compiled a series of guides on responsible business practices.
He established CIBJO’s Jewellery Industry’s Greenhouse Gas Measurement Initiative in 2014 as a way to assist the jewelry and gemstone industries in reducing their environmental impact.
Kendall also assisted in the creation of CIBJO’s Retailer’s Reference Guide.
The second edition of the guide will be released shortly.
The former De Beers executive was nominated by CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri and approved by the CIBJO Board of Directors.
“He will be a trusted advisor on all issues, but in particular will play an instrumental role in plotting a course for the 21st century, helping us develop solutions for a business environment and a marketplace that are more digital, interconnected, and socially and environmentally conscious,” said Cavalieri in a press release about the appointment.
Kendall, previously the head of De Beers Group Industry Services and head of Forevermark Operations, retired at the end of 2020 after nearly 20 years with the company.
At De Beers, Kendall helped to create the company’s Best Practice Principles.
“As an industry, we have much to achieve in the coming decade to maintain consumer demand,” said Kendall, noting that the jewelry industry must continue to represent creativity and beauty while also emphasizing sustainability.
“My personal goal will be to help CIBJO provide the industry with the knowledge and tools to win the hearts and minds of the next generation.”
A longtime active member of CIBJO, Kendall serves as the president of the group’s Marketing and Education Commission, and has compiled a series of guides on responsible business practices.
He established CIBJO’s Jewellery Industry’s Greenhouse Gas Measurement Initiative in 2014 as a way to assist the jewelry and gemstone industries in reducing their environmental impact.
Kendall also assisted in the creation of CIBJO’s Retailer’s Reference Guide.
The second edition of the guide will be released shortly.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
