From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Canadian Jewellers Association Appoints General Manager
Retail veteran Brian Land was named to the position in August after the CJA merged with Jewellers Vigilance Canada.
Toronto--The Canadian Jewellers Association has named Brian Land as its general manager.
In his new role, Land will assist in developing an updated strategic plan as well as operating plan and budgets.
He also will ensure the continuity of the CJA’s programs and spearhead the events to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2018.
Land joins with more than 20 years of experience in senior management positions at Canadian retailers, including vice president of sales and operations at Peoples Jewellers Corporation, divisional vice president-retail at Henry Birks & Sons and vice president retail-the Americas for Waterford Wedgewood Royal Doulton.
He also is past president and has served for more than 20 years on the board of directors of Jewellers Vigilance Canada, forging strong relationships with the industry’s associations and members.
The news comes after the CJA has joined with Jewellers Vigilance Canada under the CJA umbrella, effective this summer. (In fact, the general manager position replaces the Canadian Jewellers Association’s role of CEO and president after the combination due to the fact that the Jewellers Vigilance Canada had an executive director in charge.)
After the merger, the CJA held its annual general meeting and elected the board of directors for its 2017-2018 year. Heading the board are co-chairman Umesh Shah, founder of RJB Diamonds, and Stephen Cole, president of Spicer Cole Fine Jewellers.
Another 12 industry members round out the board, including some members who had previously served on the JVC and CJA Boards.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on Oct. 10, 2017 to add information about the general manager position that was given to National Jeweler post-publication.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.


The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.























