People

-- JCK Online, 11/1/2009 1:00:00 AM

Coming + Going

Precious metals buyer Cash4Gold has hired Shawn Kernes to serve as chief technology officer. Kernes is a former eBay executive who also served as chief technology officer/vice president at StubHub.

The Gemological Institute of America has officially named David J. Tearle its new vice president and chief financial officer. Tearle replaces Bob Buscher, who left the institute after 13 years to return to the for-profit business arena. Prior to joining GIA, Tearle co-founded a privately held international pharmaceutical company where he served as CFO.

Italian jewelry brand Rosato is entering the United States market, and has named industry veteran Michael Pucci general manager. Pucci has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and was most recently director of marketing and sales for Rebecca Jewelry in America.

Frederick Goldman appointed Liz Richardson vice president, sales, key accounts. Prior to joining Frederick Goldman, Richardson served as sales director, national accounts, at Charles & Colvard.

EZ Diamonds added Eric Frank to its New York office. Frank has 27 years of experience in the diamond industry.

The Rapaport Group appointed Alissa Goren the company's chief marketing officer, responsible for global communications, marketing, and branding. Goren previously served as chief marketing officer of the Israel Diamond Institute.

Peter Bazar of Imperial-Deltah Inc., Sushil Goyal of Liberty Gems Inc., and Cynthia Renee Zava of Cynthia Renee Co. were recently elected to three-year terms as directors of the American Gem Trade Association.

Jewelers of America elected Terry Burman, group CEO of Signet, as chairman of the board. He succeeds John Green, of Lux Bond & Green, West Hartford, Conn.

Charles & Colvard appointed Thomas G. Pautz vice president of sales and marketing. Pautz was formerly vice president, U.S. sales, for KTL, a jewelry manufacturer based in Hong Kong.

Ed Bridge, president of Ben Bridge Jeweler, is the new chairman of Jewelers for Children. Also elected to officer positions were Ruth Batson, American Gem Society, vice president for charity programs; Terry Chandler, Diamond Council of America, vice president of special programs; Peter Engel, Fred Meyer Jewelers, vice president for fund raising.

The Dubai Diamond Exchange appointed a new board of directors. New members include Dilip Mehta, CEO of Rosy Blue NV; Pankaj Mehta, CEO of Dimexon Eurostar; and Mahendra Parikh, chairman of Diarough NV.

Honored

John Vivian, director of Washington Gemological Laboratory, Lacey, Wash., has been awarded the Certified Master Appraiser title by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, the highest credential offered at NAJA. Vivian is the first NAJA member to receive the title, which has been available for 10 years.

The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California awarded Donald "Don" Ritchie with the Excellence in Service Award, one of the club's highest honors.

Remembered

Rajshekhar Parikh, 59, founder of Renaissance Diamond Corp., died in September, in Englewood, N.J. He was past president of the Indian Diamond Colorstone Association and helped found Share & Care. He is survived by his wife, Shaila, three children, and two grandchildren.

JIC Salutes Albright

The Jewelry Information Center will present former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright with its Style Award at the eighth annual GEM Awards gala, Friday, Jan. 8. While serving as President Bill Clinton's secretary of state, Albright brought attention to the significance of fine jewelry by wearing brooches that reflected her views or made subtle comments on events. Albright's new book, Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box, explores jewelry as a diplomatic, political, and social tool.