SourcingApr 18, 2022
Jewelry Auction Aims to Build Diversity in the Maker Market MajorsApr 19, 2022
Rich Youmans Appointed Executive Director of MJSA Education Foundation
He’s a 26-year veteran of the organization and currently serves as its chief communications officer.
New York—MJSA veteran Rich Youmans is now the executive director of the MJSA Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 subsidiary that supports training and career initiatives for jewelry industry workers.
Youmans is a 26-year veteran of the organization who currently serves as chief communications officer and publisher of MJSA’s print and digital media, including the MJSA Journal, its monthly magazine.
MJSA said he’s also played an integral role developing many of the organization’s educational programs, including the MJSA Journal Live and At the Bench Live seminars, and overseeing the foundation’s scholarship program.
Related stories will be right here …
Youmans is a 26-year veteran of the organization who currently serves as chief communications officer and publisher of MJSA’s print and digital media, including the MJSA Journal, its monthly magazine.
MJSA said he’s also played an integral role developing many of the organization’s educational programs, including the MJSA Journal Live and At the Bench Live seminars, and overseeing the foundation’s scholarship program.
As executive director of the Education Foundation, he’ll work to advance its educational efforts, which include the recently launched MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program.
Supported by a JCK Industry Fund grant, the program aims to develop the tools needed by businesses to bring on apprentices and train them properly.
Nanz Aalund, author of “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships,” is now developing a competency-based occupational framework for bench jewelers that, when completed, will have the first nationally recognized standards and training procedures.
“Rich has always had a passion for education, and his experience in publishing and disseminating information has dovetailed nicely with MJSA’s efforts to provide relevant technical and business education,” MJSA President and CEO David W. Cochran said.
“Under his direction and with the guidance of the foundation’s chair, Steve Cipolla, the MJSA Education Foundation will be able to accelerate its drive to foster the next generation of jewelers and maintain a competitive workforce.”
For more about the MJSA Education Foundation and its initiatives, visit the Career Connections section on MJSA.org.
More on Majors
The Latest
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the IndustryJewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate CollectionThe collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectHe previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for PeaceIts second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam PharmaThe diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for JewelersEmmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryThe “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers LineThe new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ TenderThe miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires AlorThe California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' ZooThe “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.
EditorsSep 19, 2025
These Female Athletes Had the Best Jewelry of the SummerFrom Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.
CollectionsSep 19, 2025
Piece of the Week: Vanessa Fernández Studio’s ‘Curva’ Wrap HoopsThe trendy earrings feature asymmetrical drops, one with a grossular garnet and the other with a diamond.
