EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
MajorsMay 09, 2019
Spence Diamonds Names Veeral Rathod New CEO
The newly-appointed CEO chatted with National Jeweler about his plans for the retailer and his push for more education on lab-grown diamonds.
Veeral Rathod, who joined Spence Diamonds in September 2018, is now the company’s CEO.
Dallas—Spence Diamonds has named Veeral Rathod its new CEO effective immediately, the diamond retailer announced Tuesday.
Rathod joined the Vancouver-based retailer—which specializes in both lab-grown and mined diamonds—in September 2018 as its chief marketing officer, but the company said it always planned to put him in the top spot.
“Elevating Veeral to CEO is the culmination of the plan we’ve had for him since day one,” said executive chairman Eric Lindberg in a statement.
Jim Schneider, who served as president since the company’s acquisition in 2015, has made his exit after moving to California.
There are no immediate plans to hire a replacement chief marketing officer, but Rathod confirmed to National Jeweler that a marketing team will be built out over the next few months.
He brings to his new role a strong background in consumer retail and luxury goods.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and previously worked in the financial sector, serving as vice president at Greenhill Cogent and as an M&A analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston, Technology Group.
“I like to lead from the front and get to know the business from the inside out,” he said of his management style.
Prior to his time at Spence Diamonds, Rathod served as the CEO of J. Hilburn, a men's lifestyle brand, which he co-founded in 2007.
Rathod noted that menswear and the jewelry industry are similar in the sense that both are long overdue to be updated and ripe for innovation.
J. Hilburn offers custom suiting, and everything from shirts and jackets to shoes and neckwear.
Spence Diamonds similarly offers customized and personalized products, made-to-order and delivered in about a week.
Rathod said he wants to reimagine the jewelry retail space through education about lab-grown diamonds, aiming to appeal to younger consumers looking for more value for their money.
“Retail is not a passive, transactional experience,” said Rathod, stressing the importance of educating the consumer.
Spence Diamonds employees go through GIA certification as well as an internal training program, said Rathod, preparing them to explain the differences between natural and lab-created diamonds and answer any questions a customer may ask.
While Rathod said he’s indifferent to whether customers choose a natural or lab-grown diamond, shoppers deserve to make an educated choice between the categories.
About 80 percent of Spence’s in-store customers choose lab-grown over natural diamonds after discussing both options, he said.
The retailer has eight locations in Canada and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
five in the United States, including stores in Texas, Arizona and California.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
