JA in the News
May 6, 2025
Jewelers of America is proud to announce the 20 Under 40, Class of 2025!
The 20 Under 40 is a recognition program that celebrates young professionals under the age of 40 who exemplify exceptional leadership, creativity and commitment to advancing the jewelry industry. This year, the program has expanded to include a new category honoring professionals in the jewelry supplier sector alongside its original retail focus.
The recipients – who are all active JA members – went through a nomination process and were selected by a jewelry industry judging panel. From bench jewelers to managers to store owners to C-suite executives, every professional on the 20 Under 40 list has made a positive impact in their organization and the industry as a whole.
Congratulations to the 20 Under 40 Jewelry Retailers and Jewelry Suppliers, Class of 2025!
20 Under 40: Jewelry Retailers
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Daniel Arik Happy Jewelers
About Daniel : Daniel Arik is a second-generation jeweler who has helped grow Happy Jewelers from a family-run operation into one of the nation’s leading destinations for luxury watches and fine jewelry. Working alongside his brother Gabe, Daniel has been instrumental in scaling the brand while preserving the family’s dedication to craftsmanship and customer service.
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Cece Baggott The Vault Nantucket
About Cece : Cece Baggott serves as Chief Strategy Officer at The Vault Nantucket and Katherine Jetter Ltd., where she blends big-picture strategic vision with hands-on leadership to drive performance, streamline operations, and elevate the luxury retail experience. With sharp instincts and an entrepreneurial mindset, Cece plays a critical role in building team culture, strengthening vendor relationships, and managing daily operations across all facets of the business. She has been instrumental in The Vault’s continued year-over-year growth, culminating in its most successful performance to date. Her leadership style combines heart and hustle—championing a close-knit, high-performing team rooted in connection, creativity, and accountability. Deeply passionate about the Nantucket community that inspires The Vault’s identity, Cece splits her time between the island and Boston—ensuring every element of the business reflects thoughtful strategy and authenticity. With a growth mindset, infectious energy, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Cece has strengthened the brand’s presence in the luxury jewelry market and is helping shape its future—thoughtfully, strategically, and with soul.
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Lauren Boc Hera Fine Jewelry
About Lauren : Lauren Boc is the founder and CEO of Hera Fine Jewelry (Hera), a direct-to-consumer engagement ring company. Lauren began her career as a progressive policy advocate and brought her values to the engagement ring industry. She has built a uniquely personal and mission-driven brand that appeals to the new generation of consumers, focused on inclusivity, transparency, premium craftsmanship and sustainable options like SCS sustainability rated, solar-powered lab-grown diamonds. Lauren grew Hera organically with viral educational videos intended to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to choose a durable, ethically made engagement ring. Her social media presence fosters a personal relationship with Hera’s customers, providing honest advice and empathetic support as they navigate the often-overwhelming experience of purchasing an engagement ring. Lauren has been featured in the New York Times, NPR and the New York Post.
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Fallon Bock Bachendorf's
About Fallon : Fallon Bock is Vice President and Buyer for Designer Jewelry and Timepieces at Bachendorf’s, her family’s luxury jewelry business based in Dallas-Fort Worth. Specializing in Merchandising and Product Strategy, Fallon blends deep heritage with forward-thinking innovation. A fifth-generation jeweler and third-generation Bock in the business, she has played a key role in expanding Bachendorf’s offerings through elevated brand partnerships and the launch of Fallon B. by Bachendorf's, a line of modern, customizable fine jewelry designed to resonate with the next generation of clients.
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Chase Brinson Ed & Ethel's Fine Jewelry
About Chase : Jonathan “Chase” Brinson is the co-owner of Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry in Christiansburg, VA, which he founded with his wife, Brooke, in 2020. A little over a decade ago, Chase was unexpectedly recruited into the jewelry industry and quickly found his calling. When Ed & Ethel’s opened, he recognized the community’s need for a trustworthy, in-house jeweler—and took it upon himself to become one. Through relentless self-teaching, mentorship from a retired master jeweler, and formal training at New Approach, Chase became the skilled artisan his clients were asking for. He now leads all in-house repair and custom design work, bringing true custom jewelry to the New River Valley in a way that hadn’t existed before. Constantly learning through books, podcasts, and hands-on experience, Chase is committed to being a better jeweler, business owner, and leader in his community—one piece of jewelry at a time. His leadership has earned him back-to-back spots on the local “40 Under 40” list and recognition as Small Business of the Year in 2024.
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Chae Carter Carter's Collective Fine Jewelry
About Chae : Chae Carter is a second-generation jeweler and owner of Carter's Collective Fine Jewelry in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, established in 1986. Carter puts an emphasis on crafting a five-star experience, striving to make Carter's Collective the place where everyone feels like the only person in the room. She’s built a loyal following by treating every client like family, focusing on meaningful connections that last well beyond the purchase. Carter commands a young and diverse team, putting a spin on tradition and reimagining what a jewelry store can be: a place of celebration, self-expression, and lasting memories. Beyond the sparkle, Chae is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and community impact. Carter's sponsors the 'Diamond in the Rough' scholarship for young women in business at the University of Southern Mississippi as well as serving as the university's official jeweler. She actively supports more than a dozen local non-profits every year. With Chae's leadership and vision for the future, Carter’s Collective continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Chae is building more than a business—she’s creating a legacy.
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Robert Chorost Precious Metals Refinery
About Robert : Robert Chorost is the founder and CEO of Chorost & Co., a luxury pre-owned jewelry brand known for its curated selection of vintage watches and estate jewelry. With deep expertise in the history, design, and value of vintage pieces, Robert has earned a reputation as a trusted authority in the field. Through his parent company, Precious Metals Refinery, he has expanded to over 14 locations across the Southwest, helping customers connect with timeless pieces that evoke nostalgia and craftsmanship. At Chorost & Co., Robert leads a personalized, one-on-one consultation experience that sets the brand apart. By eliminating excessive markups, he’s made designer-quality jewelry and watches more accessible without compromising quality or service.
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Helen Fuqua Christopher's Fine Jewelry
About Helen : Originally from Arkansas, Helen grew up in the jewelry industry and officially began her professional journey after graduating from the New Approach School for Jewelers in 2018. In 2019, she launched her full-time career as a bench jeweler at Christopher’s Fine Jewelry in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where she quickly earned a reputation for technical excellence, attention to detail, and a deep dedication to her craft. Always staying ahead of the curve, Helen is passionate about the latest tools, techniques, and designs—constantly pushing for innovation and uncompromising quality in every piece. Beyond the bench, Helen is deeply involved in her local community, volunteering regularly and striving to make a positive impact both in and out of the shop. When she’s not creating or repairing jewelry, you’ll likely find her hiking, doing CrossFit, playing board games, or enjoying time outdoors. With a goal of earning her gemologist degree and continuing to grow as a leader in the industry, Helen brings energy, integrity, and a genuine love for the craft to everything she does.
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Vanessa Guarino Louis Anthony Jewelers
About Vanessa : At 37 years old, Vanessa blends smarts, charisma, and creativity with a solid sense of humor and a serious love for storytelling. With a degree in Media and Communications, she’s spent the past decade building a career in digital marketing and content strategy — always focused on creating connections and sparking conversation.
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Ricardo Guerrero Ben Bridge Jeweler
About Ricardo : Ricardo Guerrero is the manager of the Ben Bridge Jewelers store in Bellevue, Washington. Ben Bridge was established in 1912, and this is one of the largest locations out of their 35 stores. Ricardo developed a strong work ethic at an early age by helping his parents as they worked in farming. As a first-generation college graduate from Washington State University, his career with Ben Bridge began 18 years ago. His focus on exceptional customer service and unparalleled standards distinguished Ricardo among his peers and he quickly grew into a management role. During his tenure, Ricardo managed several stores, including a move to Colorado for several years before returning to his home state. Under Ricardo’s management, each store experienced an increase in sales leading to him becoming the manager of the Bellevue location four years ago. His ability to build a strong team, encourage associates to be well-rounded community members who take part in charities and auctions, and a focus on continuous education has helped to elevate associate confidence and overall store success – resulting in the Ben Bridge Jeweler’s most profitable store for the last 3 years. Ricardo is sought out as a leader and doesn’t hesitate to provide guidance to his peers on ways to connect with customers, build community and garner their own successes. During his spare time, Ricardo loves spending time outdoors and being with his wife and two boys as he helps shuttle them to various sports.
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Peter Hannes IV Craig Husar Fine Diamonds
About Peter : Peter Hannes IV is the Chief Operating Officer for Craig Husar Fine Diamonds, voted “One of America’s Coolest Stores” in Brookfield, WI. He has over 15 years of full-time experience in the jewelry industry and holds an MBA from UW-Milwaukee. At the store, Peter oversees inventory and sales performance, constantly analyzing the store’s selection to make things run as efficiently as possible. He is also responsible for helping to bring in major watch brands such as Breitling and Tag Heuer, relaunching the “Husar Tic-Tok Shop” into one of the premier watch stores in the Midwest. He also serves as the Vice-President of the GIA Alumni Collective Wisconsin Chapter, as well as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. A new dad, he enjoys spending time outside of the store with his wife and son.
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Iris Jarvis Young Jewelers
About Iris : Iris Jarvis is the Vice President of Young Jewelers, a third-generation, family-owned luxury jewelry store in Jasper, Alabama. A University of Alabama graduate with a degree in business and a focus on sales and entrepreneurship, Iris has played a vital role at Young Jewelers since 2015. Her leadership has driven innovation, especially in computer-aided design, now the store's fastest growing category. Passionate about her community, Iris frequently hosts jewelry events that benefit local causes. With over a decade of experience, she has built strong relationships with clients and staff, enhancing the store’s reputation for excellence and personal service. In 2025, her industry contributions earned her the Bright Idea Regional Winner title, and she will compete at the state level in August. One of her standout initiatives is "Trolley on Main," which offers clients exclusive pricing on engagement rings, wedding bands, and registries. Through her creative vision and commitment to customer experience, Iris continues to strengthen both the business and her role as a respected leader in the jewelry industry.
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Kathleen Thompson Kimball George Thompson Diamond Company
About Kathleen : Kathleen Thompson Kimball serves as CEO and President of George Thompson Diamond Company in Camarillo, California, leading this second-generation retail operation founded by her father George in 1977. After joining the business in 2004 and taking over in 2021, she has continued the legacy of excellence while expanding operations.
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Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence CD Peacock
About Chelsea : Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence is the third generation of family leadership at CD Peacock, a Chicago legacy since 1837. Growing up in New York City, she developed a passion for theater and film, later graduating from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a minor from the Stern School of Business. Her award-winning productions at film festivals, including Cannes and Sundance, have shaped her storytelling approach to CD Peacock’s marketing, where she introduced the "Make History" strategy to honor the brand’s 188-year heritage and Chicago roots. Chelsea secured CD Peacock as the Official Jeweler of the Chicago Cubs and created the CD Peacock trophy room for the World Series trophy. As Chief Marketing Officer, her immersive campaigns theatrically feature work from world renowned photographers, with diverse, inclusive imagery that has positioned CD Peacock as a modern retailer. Now based in Chicago, Chelsea is dedicated to supporting local charities and making memories with her husband and three children.
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Joseph Meadows David Douglas Diamonds
About Joseph : Joseph Meadows is a fourth-generation jeweler and second-generation retailer, operating David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry alongside his father, Doug. Joseph describes himself as a jeweler—but without a hammer or torch in hand; instead, he prefers a keyboard and mouse. He was introduced to CAD technology at a young age and has since grown their family business through innovation and custom design. His deep knowledge of digital design has made him a valued collaborator with software developers where he consults on improvements and offers training to aspiring designers. He’s also been a featured panelist at Stuller events, where he continues to champion innovation in the jewelry industry. At the store, Joseph leads by example—selling alongside his team and continuously refining operations. When he’s not designing, Joseph enjoys spending time with his wife, young son and two dogs, living the very values of family, legacy, and creativity that inspire his work every day.
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Mike Nekta Leon Diamond
About Mike : Mike Nekta is a third-generation jeweler and GIA Diamonds Graduate who has become a transformative force in New York’s luxury jewelry scene. Renowned for modernizing the industry, Mike helped convert the old Valley National Bank into a vibrant jewelry exchange, adding four storefronts and expanding the Diamond District to include trailblazers like TraxNYC. Google recognized him as a notable GIA alum, and he’s trusted by high-profile clients and investors alike.
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Mallory Shelter Shelter
About Mallory : Mallory Shelter is the founder and owner of Shelter, a fine jewelry boutique in Washington, D.C., known for its curated selection of independent designers and thoughtful custom design services. Since opening in 2018, she has led Shelter’s growth into a trusted destination for meaningful, well-crafted jewelry—specializing in engagement rings, wedding bands, and heirloom redesigns. Mallory oversees all aspects of the business, from buying and merchandising to marketing, custom client experience, and vendor partnerships. A passionate advocate for independent makers and underrepresented designers, she has built Shelter on values of inclusivity, approachability, and personal connection. Her shop and work has been featured in The Washington Post, Martha Stewart, Elle Decor, Forbes, and more.
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Megan Sherrer-Neel Lou's Jewelry
About Megan : Megan Sherrer-Neel is third generation with Lou’s Jewelry, in Mobile, AL. Lou’s was opened fifty years ago by Lou Sherrer, Megan’s grandmother. Megan was literally raised in the jewelry industry with her siblings. However, jewelry was not her focus during college -- she was determined to go into psychology. A part-time job at Lou’s with her family, during the Christmas rush, very quickly helped her shift her focus to the retail jewelry world. Megan earned an undergraduate degree in Business, with an emphasis on marketing, from the University of Mobile in 2009. Following in her father’s footsteps, she earned a Graduate Gemology Diploma from GIA while in her late 20’s. She is currently the marketing manager, appraiser, social media manager and salesperson in her “day to day” life at Lou’s. Megan has served on the Alabama Jewelers Association (AJA) board for fifteen years. Recently, Megan served as the president of AJA as the organization celebrated their 100th anniversary. Outside of her life in the jewelry industry, she enjoys spending time with her husband of nearly twelve years, Michael, and their daughter, Kate.
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Chris Wattsson Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers
About Chris : Chris Wattson is a second-generation bench jeweler and the owner of Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers in Marquette, Michigan. Joining the family business in 2001, Chris started learning jewelry repair after school, on weekends and over summer vacation. After graduating from Marquette Alternative High School in 2008, Chris pursued trade courses and transitioned to full-time bench work. He has been the owner-operator of Wattsson & Wattsson since 2010. Chris blends traditional techniques with modern technology like CAD and 3D printing to design, fabricate and repair jewelry in-house. Being able to bring an heirloom piece back to life is Chris’s favorite part of the job. Chris is a member of IJO, where he enjoys meeting and advising bench jewelers. In his spare time, he works as a licensed pyrotechnican, volunteers on the Fourth of July Committee, and enjoys woodworking, small engine repair, and hiking the local trails with his rescue dog, Mikko.
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Rose Wong Kolohe Jewelry
About Rose : Rose Wong founded Kolohe, Hawaii’s first Custom Jewelry Bar, in 2014 at just 16. By 21, she became Waikiki’s youngest store owner, opening her first location at the ‘Alohilani Resort. Despite the pandemic, she expanded in 2020 with a second store at Waikiki Beach Walk. Today, Kolohe boasts 13 employees, a Fine Jewelry Showroom in downtown Honolulu, and an impressive 673% growth since opening its retail doors—earning recognition from high-end clients like the Four Seasons Caprice Boutique.
20 Under 40: Jewelry Suppliers
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Allyna Ahrens Aurora Payments Tempe, AZ
About Allyna : Allyna Ahrens is a results-driven sales leader passionate about helping others succeed. Her approach goes beyond revenue growth—she prioritizes building strong relationships, driving operational excellence, and delivering meaningful value to clients. Known for mentoring high-performing teams, she excels at creating smart, scalable strategies and streamlining processes that drive measurable impact.
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Aaron Ariel Dialog Solutions
About Aaron : Aaron earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of British Columbia in 2010, but quickly shifted from circuits to carats. Since then, he’s worked across nearly every facet of the diamond industry, always seeking ways to make things run smarter.
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Dakota Badia Buddha Mama Miami, FL
About Dakota : Dakota Badia, one half of the mother-daughter duo that makes up the Miami-based fine jewelry brand Buddha Mama, has loved jewelry since she was a child. After studying business management, she made the decision to join the two-year-old jewelry business in 2010, bringing her unique personal sense of style with her. Dakota immersed herself in every aspect of the business — from design to buying stones, manufacturing to wholesaling — honing a definitive vision for the brand that includes both aesthetics (20k gold, precious gems and enamel) and philanthropy (a portion proceeds from sales go to personally significant non-profit organizations). Dakota travels the world in search of stones, carvings and artisans who become creative partners, immersing herself in the creative process. Today, Buddha Mama is carried at top retailers including Neiman Marcus, Marissa Collections and Cayen Collection, and is collected by luminaries from Madonna to Katy Perry.
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Mathew Behnam Everspark Great Neck, NY
About Mathew : Mathew Behnam is the Co-Founder and President of Everspark, a leading provider of custom and bridal diamond jewelry. Known for its exceptional quality, customer service, and private-label expertise, Everspark partners with independent retailers nationwide to bring their unique visions to life. Mathew oversees product development and retail relationships, ensuring a smooth and elevated experience for every partner. Under his leadership, Everspark has earned a reputation for reliability, creativity, and a seamless custom process through its proprietary design portal. With roots in a multi-generational jewelry family, Mathew blends deep industry knowledge with a modern, service-first approach. In addition to his work at Everspark, he serves on the board of Centurion, one of the industry’s premier luxury trade shows, as well as Jewelers on the Fairway, a charitable organization supporting causes within the jewelry community. His passion lies in empowering retailers with the tools and products they need to thrive in today’s evolving bridal market.
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Cecily Bowen Hearts on Fire & Memoire Boston, MA
About Cecily : A passionate and results-driven leader in the fine jewelry industry, Cecily currently serves as National Sales Director at Hearts On Fire & Memoire, where she leads a high-performing team of Territory Managers to execute the brand’s luxury positioning and commercial strategy. Known for her data-informed, customer-centric approach, Cecily collaborates closely with executive leadership to drive incremental revenue, align retail performance with inventory, and ensure brand consistency across all retail doors. With deep expertise in the luxury jewelry space, she cultivates strong retailer relationships and delivers tailored business plans that elevate brand presence and sales. As a former Territory Manager for Key Accounts, she successfully doubled volume and consistently exceeded sales targets while leading impactful training and merchandising strategies. Beginning as a Senior Associate Account Manager, Cecily built a strong foundation in operations and partner support. Her 9-year career at Hearts On Fire & Memoire reflects a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and long-term growth in the luxury retail landscape.
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Fernanda Durmer Universal Deco Denver, CO
About Fernanda : Fernanda Durmer is the founder and lead designer of Universal Deco, a fine jewelry brand based in Denver, Colorado. A lifelong artist, she channels her passion for fine art into one-of-a-kind gold and platinum heirlooms, blending Deco-era influences with indigenous symbolism drawn from her Costa Rican roots. Her work is recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and emotional storytelling. Fernanda’s designs have been celebrated internationally, including exhibitions during Paris Fashion Week and in New York City, and have been featured in Forbes, National Jeweler, and JCK Magazine. She is also a proud member of the American Gem Society. Through Universal Deco, Fernanda creates meaningful pieces that inspire love, trust, and authenticity. Outside the studio, she finds joy in family life with her husband and son, their beloved dog Kevin, and in the enduring beauty of art, nature, and travel.
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Vanessa Fernández Jeweler and ArtistVanessa Fernández Studio Miami, FL
About Vanessa : Vanessa Fernández is a Cuban Armenian jewelry designer and bench jeweler with a BFA from VCUarts. Her global design experience includes working with John Hardy in Bali, Lorenz Bäumer & Louis Vuitton in Paris, and Tasaki in Tokyo. Now based in Miami, she runs a private studio where she hand-renders designs, sculpts wax, casts metals, and crafts each piece by hand—without 3D modeling or mold replication. Vanessa creates for her “Curva” collection and for private clients and brands. In 2021, she was appointed official Goldsmith to the White House. Her handcrafted work blends sculpture and ornament, pushing the boundaries of traditional goldsmithing. Vanessa has earned numerous honors including Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40, Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards design competition, multiple JCK Editors’ and Influencers’ Choice Awards (2025), and multiple wins for pearl and bridal jewelry in 2024. She is a proud GIA alumna, member of the American Gem Society, The Society of North American Goldsmiths, and Jewelers of America. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, NYT, and Harper’s Bazaar.
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Dharm International LLC New York, NY
About Kiran : Kiran Golakiya is the Chief Operating Officer at Dharm International, a premier diamond company based in New York and part of Dharmanandan Diamonds, one of India’s most respected and innovative diamond manufacturers. With an MBA and 15+ years in the diamond industry, Kiran brings strategic insight and expertise to his leadership role.
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Romy Schreiber Gow Gumuchian New York, NY
About Romy : As a fifth-generation jeweler, Romy Schreiber Gow carries on the legacy of her family’s renowned fine jewelry house, Gumuchian. Growing up surrounded by jewelry, design has always been in her DNA. After attending Parsons School of Design for fashion design, she developed a deep appreciation for the art of creating and the craftsmanship behind luxury goods. With nearly two decades of experience in the fashion and art world, she ultimately joined the family business to bring a fresh creative perspective and give the brand the visual identity and storytelling it deserved. Since stepping into the role of Art Director, Romy has been instrumental in transitioning Gumuchian from a traditional wholesale operation to a distinct and recognizable jewelry brand. Her creative vision and commitment to excellence have shaped the brand’s modern collections while honoring its heritage of craftsmanship and innovation. She oversees all aspects of brand imaging, creative direction, and collection development — ensuring every piece reflects the artistry, strength, and elegance that define Gumuchian.
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Stuller, Inc Lafayette, LA
About Nichole : Nichole Guillory is the public relations and social media manager at Stuller, a leading fine jewelry manufacturer and supplier based in Lafayette, Louisiana. With more than 10 years of experience at Stuller, Nichole leads all efforts in public relations strategy, media outreach, and community engagement. She also oversees and mentors the company’s social media team, providing strategic guidance that helps to shape the brand’s digital storytelling across multiple platforms. A former Emmy-nominated television news producer, Nichole brings a passion for connecting people through powerful storytelling — both in the jewelry industry and beyond. She has garnered numerous awards from regional public relations associations and has been a member of industry organizations such as Jewelers of America, the Women's Jewelry Association, and the American Gem Trade Association. Nichole holds a degree in mass communication from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is driven by a belief in the power of communication to create lasting impact. Outside of work, she finds joy in family life with her husband and two children.
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Joy Haugaard Lionheart
About Joy : Joy Haugaard is the Co-Founder and Creative Designer of Lionheart Jewelry, a New York City-based fine jewelry brand known for its storytelling-driven designs and dedication to craftsmanship. Originally from Denmark, Joy was raised in a creative family and moved to New York in her teens, where she fell in love with the magic of jewelry and design. Her mother, a lifelong creative, encouraged her to pursue her passions—a philosophy that still guides Joy’s work today. Joy's passion for jewelry led her to study the arts, where she honed her eye for detail and developed her unique design voice. She approaches every collection with intention, crafting meaningful pieces that speak to personal identity and emotional connection. One collection especially close to her heart is Legacy, inspired by her lifelong love of horses. A former equestrian, Joy created the collection to celebrate fellow horse lovers—and partnered with 13 Hands Equine Rescue on a special charm where 100% of proceeds support horse rescue efforts. Joy’s passions include CAD, discovering new corners of the world—she speaks over five languages and currently working on her sixth—reading, cooking, riding horses, spending time with her husband, loved ones and her three dogs.
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Joshua Israileff ASBA USA, Inc Sarasota, FL
About Joshua : Joshua Israileff is now the proud Co-Owner of ASBA USA, a second-generation jewelry manufacturing and saltwater pearl wholesale business located in Sarasota Florida. He started his jewelry career in the wax room in high school before continuing to DePaul University in Chicago where he graduated with degrees in Marketing, Economics, and Finance. It wasn't until he got a job at UBS Financial in Chicago that he truly discovered his passion for sales and working more closely with people wasn't being met. After a discussion with his parents, he came home and returned to a career in jewelry manufacturing. Since returning, his responsibilities have ranged from sales executive, to Director of Marketing, to Vice President of Operations. His job now includes data analysis, servicing customers’ inventory needs, and overseeing buying trips to Asia. In his free time, he spends time with his wife and their two cats.
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Jean Kee John Hardy New York, NY
About Jean : Jean Kee joined John Hardy in 2013 as a jewelry designer, initially based in Bangkok. She has grown with the brand over the years, relocating to the New York executive office in 2018. Now VP of Design, Jean leads the brand’s creative development, working closely with artisans to craft jewelry rooted in traditional techniques and a strong commitment to sustainability.
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Jonathan LeVian Le Vian Great Neck, NY
About Jonathan : Jonathan LeVian is a Vice President at Le Vian®, a globally renowned fine jewelry brand celebrated for its innovations like Chocolate Diamonds® and a legacy that spans centuries. As part of the next generation of the LeVian family, Jonathan plays a pivotal role in guiding the company’s modern marketing, branding, and sales strategies while honoring its rich heritage. He supports major initiatives including retailer collaborations and the annual Red Carpet Revue®, where Le Vian debuts its most anticipated collections.
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Haim Medine Mark Henry Jewelry New York, NY
About Haim : Haim Medine is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and the creative force behind Mark Henry Jewelry, the fine jewelry house founded by his father in 1984. Since joining the family business in 2010, Haim has brought a fresh perspective rooted in his lifelong passions for fashion, art, and music. He personally sources each gemstone, blending his deep knowledge with a refined, modern sensibility to design pieces that are both contemporary and sophisticated. With an eye for color and craftsmanship, Haim strives to create heirlooms for the modern woman—timeless yet unexpected, and always rooted in the inherent beauty of the gemstones themselves. Under his direction, Haim continues to make it his mission to ensure that the brand evolves as a distinctive voice in the world of colored gemstone design.
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Raja Mehta AG Gems Los Angeles, CA
About Raja : Raja Mehta is a fourth-generation jeweler from the AG Mehta family, renowned gemstone merchants since 1912. Raised in the heart of his family’s business, Raja brings a modern perspective to a storied legacy. As the creative force behind AG Jewelry, his designs celebrate the natural beauty of gemstones and diamonds, arranged into timeless, versatile pieces of wearable art. Known for its design integrity, expert craftsmanship, and commitment to heirloom-quality creations, AG Jewelry proudly designs and builds every piece in the United States.
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Trevor Mendelsohn Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels Beverly Hills, CA
About Trevor : Trevor Mendelsohn currently serves as the Vice President of Merchandise and Sales at Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels, bringing over 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He plays a key role in curating the brand’s world-class collections and works closely with Robert Procop in sourcing rare and exceptional gemstones from around the globe. Trevor also serves as President of the GIA Alumni Los Angeles Chapter, demonstrating his commitment to industry education and excellence. His collaborative leadership style and deep industry insight help guide both the merchandising and client experience for the renowned luxury jeweler. Trevor is also instrumental in supporting Robert’s special collaboration with Brooke Shields, the Luminous collection, which benefits the House of Ruth of Los Angeles, a nonprofit supporting women and children in crisis. His passion for fine jewelry, dedication to philanthropy, and focus on craftsmanship continue to elevate the brand and inspire those around him.
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Paras Pandya ASHI Couture New York, NY
About Paras : Paras Pandya is a second-generation entrepreneur building on the legacy at ASHI, a New York–based designer and manufacturer serving the country’s leading independent jewelers. With a head for strategy and a heart for design, he studied business at NYU’s Stern School while also exploring creative coursework at Parsons.
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Jordan Peck Brevani New York, NY
About Jordan : Jordan Peck is Head of Operations at Brevani, working alongside his sister Allison as part of the second generation leading their family jewelry business. Since officially joining in 2014 after graduating from West Virginia University, Jordan has been instrumental in modernizing operations through new technology and streamlined processes. He manages the sales team and internal staff, explores growth opportunities, and fosters strong relationships with retail and industry partners. Dedicated to advancing the industry, Jordan champions sustainability, collaboration, and innovation to connect with the next generation of jewelers and consumers. He also serves as VP of Sales at TracTech, a leading RFID provider for the jewelry industry. An active industry leader, Jordan serves on the RJC Global Task Force, JFC Special Programs Committee, is Vice President of the AGS NYC Guild, President of the NY Jewelers Group, and Chair of the Plumb Club’s Market Research Committee. Jordan is a dedicated husband and dog dad who enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
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Ross Wesdorp Jewel-Craft, Inc Erlanger, KY
About Ross : Ross Wesdorp is the Co-Owner and Senior Director of Sales at Jewel-Craft Inc., a fourth-generation family business founded in 1947. Beginning his career at age 13 as a bench jeweler and in shipping, Ross developed a lifelong passion for the jewelry trade. He further honed his expertise by earning credentials from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the University of Kentucky.
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