Ann Arnold Elected to Another Term as JBT Chair
She has volunteered with the organization for almost 13 years.

Ann S. Arnold, of Buyers Intelligence Group LLC in Napa, California, was re-elected to another one-year term as chair of the JBT’s board of directors.
Arnold has volunteered with JBT for almost 13 years and “continues to bring her expertise and vast experience to the role of chairman,” the organization said.
She’ll serve alongside First Vice Chair Richard Katz of Richline Group in New York, Second Vice Chair Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation in East Providence, Rhode Island, President Erich K. Jacobs, Secretary Brenda M. Pimentel, and Treasurer Erich K. Jacobs.
In addition, the following individuals were re-elected to two-year terms on the JBT board:
— Matthijs Braakman, CEO, Retail Management Publishing Inc., Montclair, New Jersey;
— Tim Coggins, Bank RI, Providence, Rhode Island;
— Jeff Corey, H. E. Murdock Company Inc., Waterville, Maine;
— Brian D. Fleming, Carla Corporation, East Providence, Rhode Island;
— Michael L. Kaplan, Rocket Jewelry Box Inc., Elmsford, New York;
— Richard Katz, Richline Group Inc., New York;
— Michael Pelto, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Neenah, Wisconsin; and
— Pinny Rubin, Quality Gold Inc., Fairfield, Ohio.
JBT said seven board members will continue to serve their existing terms. They include Arnold as well as:
— Ira Bergman, The Gordon Company Inc., Pompano Beach, Florida;
— Edward N. DeCristofaro, LDC Inc., East Providence, Rhode Island;
— Teresa Frye, Techform Advanced Casting Technology LLC, Portland, Oregon;
— Keven Peck, Color Merchants Inc., New York;
— Andrew Rickard, Rochester Diamonds and Gold Inc., Rochester, New York; and
— Nilesh Sheth, Forever Collections Inc., Los Angeles.
There are three advisory board members who also will continue to serve their current terms.
They are:
— Phyllis Bergman, Phyllis Bergman Co., New York;
— Richard Weisenfeld, East Greenwich, Rhode Island; and
— Todd Wolleman, New York.
Based in Warwick, Rhode Island, the Jewelers Board of Trade provides data—including quarterly reports—credit reporting, debt collection and marketing services to the jewelry industry.
JBT’s database includes more than 60,000 jewelry industry-related businesses.
The Latest

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.


Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
























