PodcastsJul 22, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
MajorsDec 03, 2014
Appointments: Movado hires for ‘wearable devices’
In a move that shows the increasing importance and relevancy of wearable tech in the industry, Movado Group has hired Jo An Lawson, a former Apple employee, as its general manager of wearable devices.
New York--In a move that shows the increasing importance and relevancy of wearable tech in the industry, Movado Group has hired Jo An Lawson, a former Apple employee, as its general manager of wearable devices.
In this role, Lawson will lead the company’s wearable device initiatives, a route that will allow the company “to extend our brand reach and provide a new avenue for growth,” Movado said. She will report to vice chairman and COO Rick Coté.
She will be responsible for identifying opportunities for Movado in the technology arena as well as developing strategic alliances that will position the company to launch wearable device products consistent with its luxury branding.
Lawson joins Movado with significant brand and marketing experience, including nine years at Apple Inc. Most recently, she served as a marketing strategist at West Studios, acting as interim vice president of marketing for some of the top technology companies.
Daniel’s Jewelers hires new CFO
Daniel’s Jewelers announced that it has appointed Joseph Donaghy as its chief financial officer.
Donaghy comes to Daniel’s after holding positions as executive vice president, chief administrative officer, chief financial officer, and member of the board of directors of Ultra Jewelers both before and immediately after the company was acquired by Signet Jewelers Ltd.
Prior to Ultra, he held a senior operating position at Friedman Jewelers and served as the CFO of Crescent Jewelers.
Coinciding with Donaghy’s appointment, Art Ronci, the company’s senior vice president, was promoted to COO, and will retain responsibility for credit and collections operations, management information systems, customer service and corporate administration.
Headquartered in Culver City, Calif., Daniel’s has 74 locations throughout the state. New York-based private equity firm Palladium Equity Partners LLC recently made a major investment in the chain, with plans to open new Daniel’s Jewelers stores and pursue strategic acquisitions, both inside and outside California.
CEO of Gucci jewelry division steps down
Michele Sofisti has left his position as the CEO of Gucci Watches and Jewelry, citing other personal and professional opportunities that he wanted to pursue.
The company said that Sofisti’s replacement will be named in the near future; Gucci CEO Patrizio di Marco will serve as acting CEO in the meantime.
Sofisti joined Gucci Group Watches as the strategic advisor in 2009. He was promoted to CEO in 2010 and then in 2011 also was named CEO of the Sowind Group,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the parent company of Swiss luxury watch brands Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard that later moved under Kering’s control.
Sofisti stepped down from his position at Sowind in July to focus on Gucci Watches and Jewelry.
Signet creates CIO role
Signet Jewelers has named Daniel Shull as the company’s first chief information officer, effective Jan. 5. He will relocate to the northeastern Ohio area for the position, which will put him in charge of the information technology systems across all three of Signet’s division.
Shull will report to CEO Mark Light and serve on Signet’s executive committee.
He joins the company after more than seven years at Nike, where he held various IT leadership roles, including global retail CIO, as well as most recently serving as vice president of strategy, architecture and portfolio for the entire company.
He also spent 15 years at Borders Group, rising to the position of CIO and serving as vice president of application development as well as key merchandising leadership roles.
Sofisti stepped down from his position at Sowind in July to focus on Gucci Watches and Jewelry.
Signet creates CIO role
Signet Jewelers has named Daniel Shull as the company’s first chief information officer, effective Jan. 5. He will relocate to the northeastern Ohio area for the position, which will put him in charge of the information technology systems across all three of Signet’s division.
Shull will report to CEO Mark Light and serve on Signet’s executive committee.
He joins the company after more than seven years at Nike, where he held various IT leadership roles, including global retail CIO, as well as most recently serving as vice president of strategy, architecture and portfolio for the entire company.
He also spent 15 years at Borders Group, rising to the position of CIO and serving as vice president of application development as well as key merchandising leadership roles.
More on Majors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
