MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersMajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board Chair
JVC also announced the election of five new board members.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the organization that provides the industry with legal education and compliance guidance, has named a new chairperson and five new board members.
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee has a new board chairperson and five new board members following its recent election.
Julie Yoakum, president of Signet Jewelers’ Kay and Peoples Jewelers brands and former president of Helzberg, has been elected chairperson of the board.
“The Jewelers Vigilance Committee plays a critical role in protecting trust across our industry,” Yoakum said.
“I am honored to serve alongside such a thoughtful group of leaders as we continue to support businesses and uphold the standards that matter to consumers.”
The new leadership comes at an important time for the organization, said JVC, as it faces “increasing regulatory complexity, heightened consumer expectations, and evolving standards around advertising, sourcing, and compliance.”
Yoakum is joined by the following officers:
Rebecca Foerster, past chairperson, Hearts On Fire;
Michael Richards, first vice president, Underwood Jewelers;
John Kreul, second vice president, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group;
Mark Goldberg, treasurer and finance committee chair, Rolex Watch USA; and
Lisa Lackland, corporate secretary and legal action committee chair, Ben Bridge Jeweler.
Related stories will be right here …
Julie Yoakum, president of Signet Jewelers’ Kay and Peoples Jewelers brands and former president of Helzberg, has been elected chairperson of the board.
“The Jewelers Vigilance Committee plays a critical role in protecting trust across our industry,” Yoakum said.
“I am honored to serve alongside such a thoughtful group of leaders as we continue to support businesses and uphold the standards that matter to consumers.”
The new leadership comes at an important time for the organization, said JVC, as it faces “increasing regulatory complexity, heightened consumer expectations, and evolving standards around advertising, sourcing, and compliance.”
Yoakum is joined by the following officers:
Rebecca Foerster, past chairperson, Hearts On Fire;
Michael Richards, first vice president, Underwood Jewelers;
John Kreul, second vice president, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group;
Mark Goldberg, treasurer and finance committee chair, Rolex Watch USA; and
Lisa Lackland, corporate secretary and legal action committee chair, Ben Bridge Jeweler.
JVC’s five new board members and officers have backgrounds in retail, manufacturing, education, communications, merchandising, insurance, and supply chain operations.
They are Charlie Green, Arien Gessner, Johanna Levy, Tina Moretti, and Tara Zerr.
Green is the director of stores for Lux Bond and Green Jewelers, marking the fifth generation of his family in the business.
Gessner is president of Rio Grande, Richline Group’s jewelry industry supply division. He has a background in digital marketing and e-commerce, and worked at a national laboratory. He holds a U.S. Department of Energy security clearance.
Levy is vice president of communications and ESG at the Gemological Institute of America, leading its global communications strategy. She also advises its leadership on brand reputation and public perception.
Moretti, senior vice president of GoldStar Jewellery LLC, has been in the jewelry industry for more than 30 years. Her focus is on aligning creative direction with strategic sales initiatives and long-term partnerships.
Zerr, divisional vice president of merchandising at Helzberg, has more than 24 years of experience in large-scale retail leadership. She oversees the engagement, anniversary, and luxury pre-owned categories.
The following board members will continue to serve:
Scott Berg, Lee Michaels Jewelers Inc.;
Katherine Bodoh, American Gem Society;
Richard Corbo, Chanel;
Brandee Dallow, Grandview Klein Diamonds;
Annie Doresca, Diamond Council of America;
Steven Holtzman, CD Peacock;
Jenny Luker, Platinum Guild International USA;
Malyia McNaughton, Made by Malyia;
Belit Myers, Stuller Inc.; and
Shekhar Shah, Real Gems Inc.
“JVC exists to help the jewelry industry navigate change with clarity and confidence,” said Sara Yood, CEO and general counsel of JVC.
“As legal and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, this board brings the experience and perspective needed to ensure the industry has trusted guidance and a strong, independent voice.”
For more information about JVC, visit its website.
The Latest
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
NDC Designates April 8 as 'World Diamond Day'The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr Wolk’s first day on the job as CEO of Tracr, De Beers Group’s blockchain platform, will be May 1.
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
