CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Policies & IssuesApr 05, 2016
Cecilia Gardner to Step Down as JVC CEO
She aims, however, to retain her position as general counsel with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, an organization she has been with for 18 1/2 years.
Cecilia Gardner plans to step down as president and CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee in 2017.
New York--Cecilia Gardner is slated to step down as president and CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee next year, the organization announced Monday.
However, the formal federal prosecutor, who has been with the organization for 18 1/2 years, intends to stay on board as general counsel, emphasizing to National Jeweler that she is not retiring and plans to keep on practicing law, which she has done for 40 years.
Gardner, who also recently left her post as general counsel for the World Diamond Council, said she is just trying to “reorder my life in a way.”
JVC board President Steven Kaiser, of Kaiser Time, said Gardner first came to him back in November about her desire to step back from her role as president and CEO come 2017.
In February, the board tapped one of its members who works for a company that specializes in organizational reviews to conduct a review of the JVC and its functions--who does what and how it’s being done.
“Before we get a new head, we want to really review what we need,” he said.
He said the review should be completed by the organization’s next executive committee meeting, which is scheduled for mid-May. At that time, the board should have a plan for the future of the JVC, with Kaiser adding that they hope to retain Gardner as lead counsel.
The JVC currently has a total of six employees: Gardner; Senior Counsel Suzan Flamm (who, in an unrelated development, also is leaving the organization, though the timeline for her departure is unknown at this time); Jo-Ann Sperano, the mediation specialist and paralegal; Assistant General Counsel Sara Yood; Membership Services Director Jeff Mercado; and Karen Kovach, the organization’s director of marketing and development.
Kaiser said “hopefully” the organization will be able to add staff following the review, as the JVC’s role has grown alongside the increasing number of rules and regulations impacting the jewelry industry.
“We’re very optimistic going forward,” he said. “The JVC is on a roll. We’re increasing revenues every year.”
Gardner is the latest in the line of top-ranking women in the jewelry industry to announce that they are stepping back in the near future.
Dione Kenyon is set to retire as president of the Jewelers Board of Trade this year, while American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories CEO Ruth Batson is set to do the same in June 2017.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Gardner’s exit from the JVC will coincide with the organization’s 100th anniversary. The JVC, which offers education and guidance on legal issues to companies in the jewelry industry, was founded in 1917.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
