Supplier News: Week of Feb. 3

By Brittany Siminitz | February 03, 2025

Chris Ploof to Teach Mokume Gane at Atlanta Trade Show

Jewelry designer Chris Ploof will give a presentation on the ancient Japanese metalworking technique of mokume gane at the Atlanta Jewelry Show next month at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

Ploof, whose eponymous brand is often recognized for its mokume gane pieces, will focus on this art of fusing metals into a layered design resembling the natural grains of wood. His presentation will be held on March 15 at 11:30 a.m. and again on March 16 at 10 a.m.

“I am honored to be one of the speakers at the Bench Fusion event at the Atlanta Jewelry Show,” said Ploof in a statement. “I’ve always enjoyed this show and am excited to be returning and bringing my passion for mokume gane with me. It is a pleasure to share the history and techniques for making this amazing and beautiful metal.”

5 Jewelry Execs Elected to 24 Karat Club of New York

The 24 Karat Club of New York has announced five new members: Annie Doresca, chief financial officer of Jewelers of America; Jake Duneier, co-president of jewelry manufacturer Clyde Duneier; John W. Ford Sr., CEO of the American Gem Trade Association; Margot Grinberg, president of the Movado brand and senior vice president of e-commerce for the Movado Group; and Ivette Stephanopoulos, vice president of code of origin and trade services for DeBeers Group.

Of this “class of 2025,” Jeffrey Cohen, 24 Karat’s chairperson, said in a statement that they “reaffirm the spirit of the club, by engaging esteemed leaders from different sectors of our industry,” said Jeffrey Cohen, 24 Karat’s chairperson, in a statement.

The 24 Karat Club will host its premier annual event on March 15 at Cipriani South Street in New York.

PGI Publishes Online Supplier Guide

Platinum Guild International (PGI) USA has introduced its first digital Platinum Source Book, making it easier for members of the industry to locate products and services that use platinum.

A part of PGI’s recently refreshed “platinum learning center,” the Platinum Source Book serves as a reference for sourcing platinum findings, chains, tools, and equipment, as well as refining and business services. Users can browse the guide by category or search by keywords and companies.

“We are regularly fielding inquiries for recommendations for a myriad of platinum-related products and services,” said PGI USA’s senior vice president Kevin Reilly in a statement. “By building this new, easily searchable reference platform, we hope the industry is able to access a wealth of platinum information at their fingertips whenever and wherever needed.”

Jewelers Mutual Joins the Plumb Club

The Plumb Club has added Jewelers Mutual, the industry insurer, to its membership roster of over 100 jewelry, watch, and service brands.

“We are extremely excited to welcome our newest member, Jewelers Mutual,” said Plumb Club president Roger Forman in a statement. “Jewelers Mutual is one of the most distinguished companies in its category, with an impeccable history of specializing in jewelry and helping the industry for over a century.

“The quality and selectivity of our membership illustrates our commitment to enabling retailers to find exceptional, first-class companies to work with,” Forman added.

Mike Alexander, chief operating officer at Jewelers Mutual, said in the statement, “Joining the Plumb Club is a significant milestone for Jewelers Mutual, as it reflects our shared commitment to the highest standards of integrity, innovation, and collaboration within the jewelry industry.

“Being part of this organization allows us to connect with like-minded industry leaders and further our mission to support, protect, and strengthen the jewelry community,” said Alexander. “Together, we can continue to drive meaningful progress and foster lasting relationships that benefit both jewelers and their customers.”

(Photo via Chris Ploof Designs)