Gemologist Thomas C. Yonelunas has joined Honora as chief operating officer. Prior to joining Honora, Yonelunas held the position of chief executive officer of the Gemological Institute of America‘s laboratory division. He began his gemological career as a staff gemologist in the Gem Trade Laboratory and advanced rapidly from instructor to a licensed director of its New York education branch. He assumed his role as Laboratory CEO in 1987. Yonelunas recently received the National Conference for Community and Justice, Jewelry and Watch Division Humanitarian Award at its Annual Dinner in December 2005.

Jill Burgum has joined Heritage Auction Galleries as director of jewelry and timepieces. A native of Lancaster, Pa., Burgum began her career with Sotheby’s Beverly Hills, Calif., and also worked as a jewelry cataloguer for Butterfield & Butterfield Auctions. She has also worked in retail jewelry sales and owned her own independent jewelry appraisal business.

David Ramirez has joined Dangler Studios as executive director of brand development. Ramirez has 25 years of experience in the fine-jewelry industry, including a recent seven-year tenure with the Diamond Promotion Service.

Sterling Jewelers has appointed two new vice presidents, Ronald Bevilacqua and Gary Ciolli. Bevilacqua, vice president, store planning, is responsible for the design, planning, and construction of all new and remodeled stores, as well as the maintenance of all existing stores. Before joining Sterling he served as vice president of construction for Dick’s Sporting Goods. Ciolli, vice president-controller, is responsible for the administration and operation of the financial accounting, rent accounting, accounts payable, and sales audit departments. Ciolli was employed by Limited Brands for nearly 15 years prior to joining Sterling Jewelers Inc.

The Golay Group, Lausanne, Switzerland, has appointed Christian-Louis Col as director of the Pearl and Wholesale Division. Col completed his postgraduate studies at the École des Cadres in Paris (business management school) and obtained his MBA at the Institut Supérieur de Marketing du Luxe. Golay has also announced these appointments: Muriel Faienza, communication manager; Massimo Gentile, IT manager; Roman Büchi, regional sales manager for pearls in northern Europe; and Theodore Panos, regional sales manager for pearls in southern Europe.

Gary Simon has been promoted to the position of executive vice president sales, for Bulova Corp. Simon, who has been with Bulova since 1997, will have the overall responsibility of coordinating and directing the sales and marketing efforts of Bulova’s regional and chain accounts. Additionally, Simon will continue to direct the sales activities of the Western Region and assist in coordinating field sales activities.

Wolf Designs has appointed Mark A. Meier as director of business development for the upper Midwest region. Prior to joining Wolf Designs in May, Meier owned and operated two full-service jewelry stores and has been in the jewelry business since 1994. Most recently, he was employed by Moyer Fine Jewelers in Carmel, Ind., where he worked in sales and oversaw the store’s watch division.