The pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
Former Scott Kay, David Yurman exec joins Judith Ripka
David Minster has been named CEO of the wholesale division of Judith Ripka Ltd., which is handled by KGK Jewellery Manufacturing.

New York--David Minster has been named CEO of the wholesale division of Judith Ripka Ltd.
Minster most recently served as the CEO of Scott Kay Inc., and was the first CEO in the company’s history when he was hired in August 2013. He remained with company until Kay died suddenly at the end of 2014 and the Scott Kay brand was acquired by manufacturer Frederick Goldman.
Before Scott Kay, Minster spent nearly 12 years as the chief operating officer at David Yurman.
Also new to the Judith Ripka team is Evert DeGraeve, who is spearheading design and merchandising for the brand. He has more than 20 years’ experience in executive and product development, working for companies including David Yurman, Mikimoto and Harry Winston.
DeGraeve also is a trained goldsmith who worked at the bench in England, Germany and, now, the United States.
Handling marketing and branding for Judith Ripka Ltd. is Fran Pennella of Benali Consulting LLC. Pennella has 17 years of experience in jewelry industry brand development, working with firms including David Yurman, Mastoloni and JCK Events.
The newly installed team said one of their goals is to bring a “fresh perspective to the DNA of the highly recognizable Judith Ripka brand,” which was founded by Judith Ripka in 1977.
At Baselworld, the brand had a sketch on display of one-of-a-kind bracelet and necklace suite designed to feature more than 64 carats of Colombian emeralds that it plans to finish and have on display in time for the upcoming Couture show in Las Vegas.
Jewelry supplier and manufacturer the KGK Group, which now holds the wholesale license for Judith Ripka Ltd., sourced and cut the stones. KGK also owns the Martin Flyer and Gregg Ruth brands.
The company acquired the wholesale license for the Judith Ripka brand in July 2014 from Xcel Brands Inc., which bought it from Ripka for $22.5 million earlier that same year.
The Latest

Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.


The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

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.

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.