Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Todd Wolleman Elected JBT Board Chair
Wolleman recently headed the search process to replace outgoing JBT President and CEO Dione Kenyon.
Warwick, R.I.--The Jewelers Board of Trade just announced the results of its annual elections, held during meetings in February and March.
Todd Wolleman, of Leo Wolleman, Inc. in New York, was elected to a one-year term as chairman of the JBT Board.
Wolleman recently chaired the search process to select a new president and CEO to replace Dione Kenyon, who has announced she will retire from the JBT this year as soon as a replacement is found.
First vice chairman is Michael Kaplan of Rocket Jewelry Box Inc. in Bronx, N.Y., while Ann Arnold, of Norwood, N.J.-based Arnold Advisory Group, was elected to serve as second vice chairwoman.
Kenyon remains the organization’s president and was elected treasurer while Brenda M. Pimentel retains her post as secretary.
Richard Katz of Samuel Aaron Inc. was appointed to the JBT Executive Committee.
Newly elected to the board for a two-year term were Ira Bergman, president of The Gordon Company Inc.; Lux Bond & Green Chief Financial Officer David Bonney; and Nilesh Sheth, president of Forever Collections Inc. in New York.
Re-elected to the board for a period of two years were: Arnold, Anthony Capuano of HSBC Bank USA, Edward DeCristofaro of LDC Inc., Roderick Lichtenfels of W. R. Cobb Company, Richard Weisenfeld of East Greenwich, R.I. and Wolleman.
Newly elected to the organization’s Advisory Board for a two-year term was Phyllis Bergman of Mercury Ring, while Richard Greenwood of A. F. Greenwood Co. Inc. and F. Daniel Pharr of Pharr Valuation & Business Svcs. LLC were re-elected.
In addition, the JBT announced that the nine following board members will continue to serve their existing terms:
--Jared Ashland of Appleton, Wisc.;
--Danielle Ingwer Cohen, Leo Ingwer Inc. in New York;
-- Brian Fleming, Carla Corporation in E. Providence, R.I.;
-- Kevin Green, Seiko Corporation of America in Mahwah, N.J.;
-- Kaplan of Rocket Jewelry Box;
-- Katz of Samuel Aaron Inc.;
-- Richard LeStage, LeStage Manufacturing Co. in Attleboro Falls, Mass.;
-- Avi Raz, A & Z Pearls, Inc., Los Angeles; and
-- Pinny Rubin of Quality Gold Inc. in Fairfield, Ohio.
The Latest

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.


The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.