The Gemological Institute of America has elected Dr. Rodney C. Ewing, a professor at the University of Michigan, as the newest member of its 19-member board of governors. Ewing is a leading researcher in geology and mineralogy, with more than 35 years of experience. He has authored or coauthored approximately 500 research publications and has served as the editor or coeditor of seven monographs, proceedings volumes, and special issues of journals.

Hearts On Fire Co. has promoted Janice Mack Talcott to director of curriculum. Previous positions include director of education for the Gemological Institute of America, and a partner in her own company, Performance Concepts.

QVC Inc. has announced the promotion of David Frey to president of QVC International. Frey currently serves as vice chairman and chief executive officer of QVC Japan. In addition to serving as president of QVC International, Frey also will be promoted to chairman of QVC Japan, where he will remain stationed in his new position. Frey, who has more than 23 years of television production experience, joined QVC in 1999 and was initially responsible for identifying and recommending new international market opportunities before assuming the role of vice chairman of QVC Japan in 2000.

Watch manufacturer Oceanaut has appointed Diane B. Morrison sales representative for the Northwest, including Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Nevada, and California. From 2000 to 2005, Morrison served as sales manager and jewelry buyer for J. Christie Jewelry LLC. Most recently, she was employed by Wolf Designs/Louis Erard N.A.

Leviev has announced the appointment of Patrick Toth as sales director in the United States. Toth will be located at 700 Madison Ave., New York, when the Leviev Boutique opens this summer. Toth joins Leviev after eight years with Mikimoto and, most recently, two years with Chopard.

Brown+Partners, Dallas, has hired Elizabeth Ross to serve as part of its management team. Before joining Brown+Partners, Ross served as director of advertising and marketing at deBoulle. Prior to that, she served as marketing manager at the American Gem Trade Association.