Sourcing

DEF Elects GIA’s Anna Martin as President

SourcingMar 01, 2017

DEF Elects GIA’s Anna Martin as President

Stuart Lee, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Signet Jewelers, also was added to the board at a meeting last month.

20170301_DEF-board.jpg
The Diamond Empowerment Fund elected the GIA’s Anna Martin, at left, to the post of president, and also welcomed new board member Stuart Lee, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Signet Jewelers Inc.

New York--The Diamond Empowerment Fund’s announced that it has elected Anna Martin as president of its board of directors at the annual board meeting held last month.

Martin is senior vice president of global development and beneficiation for the Gemological Institute of America. 

She succeeds Phyllis Bergman, who served a five-year term and oversaw the organization’s growth to embrace its mission of education empowerment for youth from diamond communities around the world and championing the organization’s consumer messaging strategy, “Diamonds Do Good,” which Martin will continue.

“Never has there been a more important time to communicate to the next generation of diamond purchasers the positive narrative surrounding diamonds.” --Anna Martin
 The DEF also welcomes new board member Stuart Lee, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Signet Jewelers Inc.

Lee joins a leadership team that already includes Vice Presidents Ed Hrabak, retiring Signet Jewelers COO who will remain on the board in a personal capacity, and Varda Shine; Secretary Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of Reed Jewelry Group; and Treasurer Richard Slomovitz, CFO of Rush Communications.

DEF will hold its 2017 Diamonds Do Good awards gala on Sunday, June 4, at the Four Seasons Ballroom in Las Vegas.

“Never has there been a more important time to communicate to the next generation of diamond purchasers the positive narrative surrounding diamonds,” Martin said. “I am confident that with the depth of talent on our board from all across the diamond pipeline, and with the support of every member of the industry, we will impress on consumers that ‘Diamonds Do Good.’”
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

John Wayne Signet Ring
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s Ring

The Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.

MJSA Education Foundation and Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJS

The discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.

Matching pair of Type IIa, D-color diamonds
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not Sell

A matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

DeBeeers_Bridal_Display_Dune_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal Reinvigorated

Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Ocean Dream diamond
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17M

It was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting

Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

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

Stock image of crime scene with police cars and crime scene tape
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in Violence

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Jewelers
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place Store

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Winston Red Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy