TrendsDec 23, 2021
Piece of the Week: Cadar’s Festive EarringsIndependentsFeb 22, 2022
Cadar Names Swoonery Founder as Its New CEO
Jean Poh joins the New York City fine jewelry brand.
Jean Poh is fine jewelry brand Cadar’s new CEO.
New York—Cadar has landed a jewelry industry innovator as its new CEO.
Jean Poh, founder of e-commerce company Swoonery, has been appointed to the position.
Poh’s experience in jewelry mixes old school and new school experiences. She’s a fourth-generation jewelry industry professional with 13 years of experience building and operating a luxury jewelry business, according to a brand press release.
She launched Swoonery in 2015, which still operates today. It’s known for representing one of the earliest online-only channels for fine jewelry.
Cadar launched the same year from founder and creative director Michal Kadar. The gold- and diamonds-focused brand received quick accolades, debuting at Bergdorf Goodman a year later and snapping up awards like an FGI Rising Star Award and Couture Design Award at the jewelry trade show.
“Jean’s knowledge and passion for the fine jewelry industry, coupled with her strategic vision for the brand, will enable us to take Cadar to new heights together,” Kadar said.
“Her understanding of our customers’ desire for self-expression and her commitment to creative excellence mirror my own. I am excited to welcome Jean and look forward to a brilliant collaboration.”
Named one of Luxury Daily’s Luxury Women to Watch in 2017, Poh has professional experience beyond the jewelry world.
She has been an advisor for and angel investor in various start-ups.
In her first career, Poh worked as a corporate attorney at Curtis in New York and Morrison & Foerster in Shanghai, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital transactions.
Poh earned a B.A. from Barnard College of Columbia University and a J.D. from Cornell Law School. She also holds a Graduate Diamonds diploma from GIA.
“I’m thrilled to join the Cadar team and very grateful for this exciting opportunity to grow an exceptional product into a global luxury brand,” she said.
“When I founded Swoonery, my mission was to provide a platform for visionary designers to become brands, and in doing so I always stressed the importance of unique design and impeccable craftsmanship. Cadar is unequivocally the embodiment of both. Michal Kadar’s award-winning designs reflect the expanding community of powerful, feminine women who are our customers.”
Related stories will be right here …
Jean Poh, founder of e-commerce company Swoonery, has been appointed to the position.
Poh’s experience in jewelry mixes old school and new school experiences. She’s a fourth-generation jewelry industry professional with 13 years of experience building and operating a luxury jewelry business, according to a brand press release.
She launched Swoonery in 2015, which still operates today. It’s known for representing one of the earliest online-only channels for fine jewelry.
Cadar launched the same year from founder and creative director Michal Kadar. The gold- and diamonds-focused brand received quick accolades, debuting at Bergdorf Goodman a year later and snapping up awards like an FGI Rising Star Award and Couture Design Award at the jewelry trade show.
“Jean’s knowledge and passion for the fine jewelry industry, coupled with her strategic vision for the brand, will enable us to take Cadar to new heights together,” Kadar said.
“Her understanding of our customers’ desire for self-expression and her commitment to creative excellence mirror my own. I am excited to welcome Jean and look forward to a brilliant collaboration.”
Named one of Luxury Daily’s Luxury Women to Watch in 2017, Poh has professional experience beyond the jewelry world.
She has been an advisor for and angel investor in various start-ups.
In her first career, Poh worked as a corporate attorney at Curtis in New York and Morrison & Foerster in Shanghai, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital transactions.
Poh earned a B.A. from Barnard College of Columbia University and a J.D. from Cornell Law School. She also holds a Graduate Diamonds diploma from GIA.
“I’m thrilled to join the Cadar team and very grateful for this exciting opportunity to grow an exceptional product into a global luxury brand,” she said.
“When I founded Swoonery, my mission was to provide a platform for visionary designers to become brands, and in doing so I always stressed the importance of unique design and impeccable craftsmanship. Cadar is unequivocally the embodiment of both. Michal Kadar’s award-winning designs reflect the expanding community of powerful, feminine women who are our customers.”
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
