Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Steven Kaiser Elected to Chair Jewelers’ Security Alliance
The 135-year-old trade organization also inducted Reed Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer to its board.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance welcomed new and familiar faces to the board at its annual meeting at the New York Yacht Club.
JSA President John Kennedy began the day’s event with a moment of silence for Helen Buck, a long-standing JSA member who passed away in October, as well as for jeweler Jason Cullen, who was killed during a robbery in California.
Cullen, the 32-year-old son of the owners of Highland Pawn, suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and died the following day.
Kennedy found a silver lining in the tragedy, noting that the number of jewelers killed has been on the decline, hitting a 35-year-low for the industry.
There was one death in 2018, compared with the 37 U.S. jewelers killed in 1992.
The total dollar losses from crime against the U.S. jewelry industry also has been on the decline most years since 2000, Kennedy said, crediting JSA and its growing network of law enforcement personnel.’
Alan Zimmer, CEO of Reed Jewelers, is a newcomer to the board.
Returning members re-elected to three-year terms include Patti Geolat of the Geolat Companies, Chris Hackler of Signet Jewelers, Mark Smelzer of JCK and David Tearle of the Gemological Institute of America.
Those continuing in their terms include Chad Berg of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, David Bonaparte of Jewelers of America, Marc Green of Lux, Bond & Green, Adam Heyman of Oscar Heyman & Brothers, David Sexton of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Mark Udell of London Jewelers, Stewart Wicht of Rolex and Stanley Zale of Stuller.
The organization presented Annual Industry Service Awards to National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff and JCK News Director Rob Bates.
Founded back in 1883, JSA has more than 21,000 member locations.
The Latest

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

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

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.


Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

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

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.






















