Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
John Henne Elected Chair of JA Board
The Pittsburgh jeweler succeeds Ryan Berg of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.

New York--Jewelers of America has elected Pittsburgh jeweler John Henne as its next board chairman, succeeding Ryan Berg, market president of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
Henne has managed Henne Jewelers, which his great-grandfather opened in 1887, since 1998. He oversees all aspects of the business, including diamond procurement, accounting, sales and marketing.
Under his leadership, the Pittsburgh store has grown and won numerous local business and retail jewelry awards.
In addition, he was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame this year in the Single-Store Independent category.
JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte called Henne a “natural leader,” and said: “Under John’s leadership, I know that Jewelers of America is poised to grow, better serve our members in this ever-changing retail environment and enhance our customer outreach to benefit the jewelry industry as a whole.”
In his new role as JA board chairman, he will lead an executive committee of the following elected officers: Chair-Elect Holly Wesche of Wesche Jewelers; Vice Chair Cathy Tivol of Tivol Inc.; Vice Chair Marc Bridge of Ben Bridge Jeweler; Treasurer Robert F. Moeller II, R.F. Moeller Jeweler; and Secretary Coleman Clark, B.C. Clark Jewelers.
Henne was elected to the post Monday, at the JA board meeting that also welcomed a slate of new directors and the re-election of two directors for a three-year term: Mercedes Abramo of Cartier and Karen Goracke of Borsheims.
The new directors are:
Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers;
Elise Greenberg, CEO of Greenberg’s Jewelers in Sioux City, Iowa;
Chuck Kuba, president and owner of Iowa Diamond in Des Moines;
Steve Padis of Padis Jewelry in San Francisco; and
Steve Velasquez, CEO of Bailey, Banks & Biddle.
In addition to Berg, the outgoing directors are Larry Pelzel, who heads fine jewelry at Neiman Marcus, and Michael Pollak of Hyde Park Jewelers.
A complete list of JA’s 2017-2018 board of directors is available on the JA website.
The Latest

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.


The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.