The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
“Cap” Beesley Goes Ivy League
Yale University has tapped the AGL founder to chair the advisory board overseeing a major expansion of the gem and mineral exhibit at the school’s historic Peabody Museum.

New Haven, Conn.--Yale University has tapped C.R. “Cap” Beesley to chair the advisory board overseeing a major expansion of the gem and mineral exhibit at its historic Peabody Museum of Natural History.
A graduate gemologist who opened American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) in 1977, Beesley exited the lab when then-owners Collectors’ Universe decided to get out of the jewelry business and sold the lab to its current owner, Christopher Smith.
But, Beesley began working with the Peabody even before he left the lab he started.
He said he first became involved with the museum in 2004 or 2005, brought on board by well-known gem merchant and 1962 Yale graduate Benjamin Zucker.
Both have contributed much time and many gifts to the museum over the years.
Now, Beesley is chairing the museum’s Gem & Mineral Advisory Board, which is overseeing a major renovation and expansion of the Hall of Minerals, Earth and Space, which coincides with the museum’s 150th anniversary.
In doing so, he finds himself in some interesting company. Among those on the board is producer, director and 1989 Yale graduate Shawn Levy, whose credits include Night at the Museum and its sequels, and billionaire, Biosphere 2 founder and 1967 Yale graduate Ed Bass.
“I’m probably the only guy who’s not a Yalie on the board,” Beesley laughed.
Since his appointment as chair, Beesley has traveled to China to acquire what he described as “minerals on steroids” to add to the museum’s permanent collection--a 5-foot-long, 4-foot-high piece of lime-green fluorite and a chunk of aragonite that’s almost the same size.
They seem like fitting specimens for a university where mineralogist James Dwight Dana, who is considered the father of systemic mineral classification, attended school and once taught.
The renovated and expanded mineral exhibit at Yale’s Peabody Museum is slated to open in the fall and will be named for Boston-based entrepreneur and mineral collector David Friend (Yale ’69), who put $4 million behind the project.
Beesley said in addition to the outsized specimens he’s acquired, a 75-carat Burma sapphire, a 77-carat fancy intense yellow diamond and blue diamond necklace that’s in the Smithsonian’s collection are slated to be among the gemstones on display.
Those interested in making loans or donations to the hall can contact Beesley at capbeesley@yahoo.com.
The Latest

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.