The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
John Henne Elected Chair of JA Board
The Pittsburgh jeweler succeeds Ryan Berg of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
New York--Jewelers of America has elected Pittsburgh jeweler John Henne as its next board chairman, succeeding Ryan Berg, market president of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
Henne has managed Henne Jewelers, which his great-grandfather opened in 1887, since 1998. He oversees all aspects of the business, including diamond procurement, accounting, sales and marketing.
Under his leadership, the Pittsburgh store has grown and won numerous local business and retail jewelry awards.
In addition, he was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame this year in the Single-Store Independent category.
JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte called Henne a “natural leader,” and said: “Under John’s leadership, I know that Jewelers of America is poised to grow, better serve our members in this ever-changing retail environment and enhance our customer outreach to benefit the jewelry industry as a whole.”
In his new role as JA board chairman, he will lead an executive committee of the following elected officers: Chair-Elect Holly Wesche of Wesche Jewelers; Vice Chair Cathy Tivol of Tivol Inc.; Vice Chair Marc Bridge of Ben Bridge Jeweler; Treasurer Robert F. Moeller II, R.F. Moeller Jeweler; and Secretary Coleman Clark, B.C. Clark Jewelers.
Henne was elected to the post Monday, at the JA board meeting that also welcomed a slate of new directors and the re-election of two directors for a three-year term: Mercedes Abramo of Cartier and Karen Goracke of Borsheims.
The new directors are:
Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers;
Elise Greenberg, CEO of Greenberg’s Jewelers in Sioux City, Iowa;
Chuck Kuba, president and owner of Iowa Diamond in Des Moines;
Steve Padis of Padis Jewelry in San Francisco; and
Steve Velasquez, CEO of Bailey, Banks & Biddle.
In addition to Berg, the outgoing directors are Larry Pelzel, who heads fine jewelry at Neiman Marcus, and Michael Pollak of Hyde Park Jewelers.
A complete list of JA’s 2017-2018 board of directors is available on the JA website.
The Latest
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.