New York’s 24 Karat Club Elects New Leadership

By Karen Dybis | February 26, 2025

The 24 Karat Club of New York has elected a new slate of officers and directors, bringing some of jewelry’s well-known names to its leadership for the 2025 to 2026 term.

Steven Lagos (pictured), founder of fine jewelry brand Lagos, was elected president of the 24 Karat Club. Michael Benavente, managing director of the Bulova Corp. watch brands, was voted in as vice president. Monica Elias, president of Elias World Media, was elected to the club’s board of directors.

Jeffrey Cohen, CEO of Citizen Watch America, will continue in his three-year term as chairperson. John J. Kennedy, former longtime head of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, was reelected as 24 Karat secretary, and Jeffrey Bergman, vice president of accounting and finance at Gold Star Jewellery, will remains the club’s treasurer.

monica elias — *Monica Elias is a new member of the 24 Karat Club of New York’s board of directors.*

“It is my esteemed pleasure to chair the 24 Karat Club of the city of New York. I am proud to lead this organization and its distinguished members,” Cohen said in a statement. “As an organization, we will benefit this year from the perspective of our new officers…along with the rich experience of our reelected officers and directors.”

Continuing as directors for the club are Sarin Bachmann, group VP, RX Jewelry Portfolio (which includes JCK); Edward DeCristofaro, president, LDC Corp.; Nathalie Diamantis, CEO, Pomellato Americas; Glenn Markman, president/CEO, Facets of Fire Diamonds; Stacie Orloff, vice president of sales, Marina B; Charles Stanley, board adviser, Consensus; Ronnie VanderLinden, owner of Diamex; and Eric Zuckerman, CEO, Pac Team Group.

“This incredible leadership team, along with our eminent members, will continue to shepherd collaboration, conversation, and relationships that benefit the jewelry industry, facilitate growth, and advance the industry’s interests,” said Cohen.

The 24 Karat Club of New York was founded in 1902 “to foster the interests of the jewelry industry by forming a fellowship uniting men and women within the industry and kindred trades,” according to the organization’s mission statement. The club will hold its annual banquet March 15 at Cipriani South Street in Manhattan.

(Photos courtesy of the 24 Karat Club of New York)