Majors

Appointments: Tourneau names new CEO

MajorsOct 09, 2013

Appointments: Tourneau names new CEO

Ira Melnitsky has been appointed CEO of Tourneau, succeeding James Seuss who left the company last year to serve as CEO and global president of Hunter Boots. 

New York--Ira Melnitsky has been appointed CEO of Tourneau, succeeding James Seuss who left the company last year to serve as CEO and global president of Hunter Boots.

His appointment is effective Oct. 16.

Melnitsky most recently served as president of LF USA’s home and better handbag division. Prior to that, he was president and chief merchandising officer at members-only discount e-tailer Rue La La and also served as executive vice president of sales and merchandising at Tumi and Ferragamo USA.

Melnitksy’s first position was as an accessories buyer for Lord & Taylor.


The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) recently elected a president and seven directors to its 2014 board.

They are Ruben Bindra of B&B Fine Gems Inc., who will serve as president; Pramod Agrawal of Shanu Gems Inc.; Bill Heher of Rare Earth Mining Co. Inc.; Gina Latendresse of American Pearl Company Inc.; Gerry Manning of Manning International; Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems Inc.; Simon Watt of Mayer & Watt; and Larry Woods of Jewels from the Woods.

They will begin their terms immediately following the 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson board meeting.


Adam Bernhard has stepped down from the role of CEO of HauteLook, a flash-sale site owned by Nordstrom Inc. As founder of the site, he will continue with the company in an advisory capacity.

No replacement for the CEO position will be sought, Nordstrom said, as HauteLook President Terry Boyle will lead the business.

Boyle began his career with HauteLook in 2008 as chief operating officer and chief financial officer and has led the business through significant growth, Nordstrom said.


Adam Gurian is the new executive vice president of global sales at Frederick Goldman Inc.
 
Gurian joins the company after 17 years at the Timex Group, where he most recently served as president of the Timex Business Unit. Prior to that, he held various sales, brand management and operational roles within the company.

He also held merchant positions at Macy’s and May Company.


Jennifer Treese Wilson is now corporate counsel at the Gemological Institute of America, where she initially will support the organization’s global education programs.

Wilson has more than 15 years of experience in the international nonprofit education sector, including 14 years with Alliant International University, most recently serving as vice president for administration and general counsel.

She also has more than 10 years of experience as an associate and

partner with law firms in San Diego.


Jewelry brand Marina B announced the appointment of two executives, Catherine Bové to president and Mona Nagib as director of sales.

As president, Bové will oversee the day-to-day operations of Marina B as well as retail expansion, branding and communication. Her priorities will include accelerating wholesale growth, opening new retail locations and leveraging the brand’s heritage and international reputation as a “jeweler to the stars.”

She will be based in New York and report to Marina B CEO Paul Lubetsky.

Bové most recently served as director of retail at Chopard USA. Prior to that, she worked under Marina Bulgari as director from 1996 to 2000, and also has held positions at Bulgari, Chanel Fine Jewelry and David Yurman.

Nagib is re-joining Marina B after beginning her career there in 1999. She last served as a consultant for various international, contemporary and antique luxury jewelry companies, and has also designed bespoke pieces for private jewelry collectors.

Lubetsky, owner and CEO of Windsor Jewelers Inc., a seller of estate, antique and closeout jewelry, acquired the Marina B brand in 2010. 
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Tacori bezel-set diamond bands
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

Auctim emerald auction
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough Emeralds

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

AGS Board President for 2025-2026 Alexis Padis
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

Nanis Ipanema Collection Campaign
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

Kevin O’ Leary and George Mayer of The 1916 Company
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance Platform

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

Sissy’s new Little Rock store
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

September Hong Kong jewelry show
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong Show

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

Francesca Villa Fantasia Collection The Crab Pendant, The Mermaid Pendant, Keep Dancing Seahorse Pendant, Keep Dancing Ladybug Pendant, Secret Dreams Pendant, The Puffer Fish Takes Flight Pendant
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

Breitling’s special Eagles Super Bowl watch on gold bracelet
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy