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

Neenah, Wis.—Jewelers Mutual Group just announced the retirement of a longtime executive.
Vice President of Loss Prevention and Consulting David Sexton, CPCU, is set to end his 39-year tenure with the jewelry insurance company at the end of the year.
Sexton was hired by Jewelers Mutual in 1980 as an underwriting assistant.
Over the years, he’s worked in commercial lines customer service, CL underwriting and specialty account management before taking on his current role in 2004.
As head of loss prevention, Sexton developed and implemented the company’s policy. Jewelers Mutual also credited the longtime executive with maintaining and developing relationships in the jewelry, alarm and law enforcement industries.
Sexton said: “It was never about me, it was always about us.
“I will always treasure the relationships I have made during my association with Jewelers Mutual. My retirement is not an end, but rather a beginning. The leadership of Jewelers Mutual has a clear path for continuing our vital loss prevention mission to provide innovative risk management solutions for the industry we serve, not just insurance.”
Sexton is on the board of directors for the Canadian Jewellers Association and the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, which awarded him its Industry Service Award in 2016.
He is also a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York.
Additionally, he has served on the Underwriters Laboratories Security Systems Council since 1994, also serving as one of its corporate members in the insurance category, and the Central Station Alarm Association’s Insurance Liaison Committee, which helped to develop the UL burglar alarm modular certificate program.
In 2018, Sexton received the American Gem Society’s John J. Kennedy Law Enforcement Award at AGS Conclave in Nashville, Tennessee.
“You’re known by the company you keep,” he said. “It’s all about the people. Working with people to help them solve their risk management challenges has really been the most rewarding aspect of my insurance career.”
The Latest

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.