AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
MajorsDec 06, 2016
Appointments: Signet Jewelers appoints treasurer
Signet Jewelers Ltd. has promoted Denise Shaffer to the newly created role of treasurer, the company announced Tuesday.
New York--Signet Jewelers Ltd. has promoted Denise Shaffer to the newly created role of treasurer, the company announced Tuesday.
In the new role, Shaffer will be responsible for the expanded function of Signet treasury in the company, as well as managing the bank group and multi-divisional international cash positions and funding.
Shaffer first joined Sterling Jewelers, Signet’s U.S. division, more than 24 years ago as manager of the corporate treasury.
She was promoted to director of the treasury in 1992, which was then expanded in 2005 to director of treasury and strategic financial planning. Two years later, she was promoted to vice president of corporate treasury and strategic financial planning.
Prior to joining Sterling, she held various positions at NCNB National Bank, which is now known as Bank of America.
In addition, Sterling Jewelers announced the promotion of both Vince Marchetta and David Jacobsen to the position of vice president, real estate.
In his new role, Marchetta will be responsible for Sterling’s real estate portfolio for the western part of the U.S., along with the development of financial and tactical plans. Jacobsen, meanwhile, will be responsible for the company’s real estate portfolio for the eastern regions of the country.
Marchetta joined Sterling in 1989 as a leasing administrator and has held other various positions at the company, including leasing representative, senior leasing representative, Jared leasing manager, and most recently, director of mall real estate.
Jacobsen joined Sterling in 1998 as a store manager and has since held the position of district manager and most recently served as leasing representative.
The slate of personnel changes follows Signet’s February announcement that it plans to acquire rival Zale Corp. in a deal valued at $1.4 billion, creating a chain of more than 3,600 jewelry stores.
Alex and Ani CEO Giovanni Feroce has resigned for undisclosed reasons.
The company said in a statement last week that founder and creative director Carolyn Rafaelian has been named as the interim CEO. The search for a new CEO is expected to take several months.
Rafaelian and Feroce partnered in 2010, and the latter helped the company’s revenue grow to about $230 million last year.
Alex and Ani has about 40 branded retail stores across the country and is also sold at more than 150 specialty gift and jewelry shops.
Eric Carlborg has announced that he will resign from Blue Nile’s board of directors.
He will continue to serve as a director of the company until the 2014 annual meeting, which is currently scheduled for May 22.
Concurrent with Carlborg’s decision not to stand for re-election, the board has announced that it will reduce its size from nine to eight members effective as of the date of the 2014 annual meeting.
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company announced that Trina Woldt has accepted the newly created position of chief marketing officer within the company’s personal lines division. In her role, Woldt will be responsible for developing the company’s marketing efforts of its Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance brand.
Before joining Jewelers Mutual, she served as the director of marketing and development at the Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh, Wisc.
Jewelers Mutual also appointed Michael Calabresa as director of business development, personal lines. He previously served as director of agency operations and as a commercial lines sales and marketing consultant.
Prior to joining Jewelers Mutual, Calabresa was vice president of sales and marketing at Integrity Mutual Insurance Company, as well as held numerous sales and marketing leadership positions during more than 24 years with Sentry Insurance.
Woldt and Calabresa are both filling newly created roles for Jewelers Mutual as it continues to promote its Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance product. Both will be working on direct-to-consumer and business-to-business campaigns.
Rio Tinto Diamonds has named Brandee Dallow to manage its U.S. representative office in New York. The appointment was effective March 1.
Dallow has more than 15 years of experience in the industry, including a role as the vice president of global communications for diamond company Julius Klein Group before joining Rio Tinto.
Rio Tinto opened its New York office in 2007 to establish an on-the-ground presence in the market and to support Rio Tinto Diamonds’ customers in their U.S. activities, the company said.
Mastoloni is expanding its independent sales force with the appointment of Matt Broerman as sales manager for the brand’s Southeast territory.
Broerman brings a strong skill of driving sales in the luxury skill set to Mastoloni, the company said, with his experience working for a number of jewelry and timepiece companies.
Christine Purdue has joined the boutique marketing firm Communiqué as public relations director. She will be based in New York City.
Purdue most recently served as media relations manager at Van Cleef & Arpels, and was also a public relations manager at Neiman Marcus.
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
