COMINGS AND GOINGS
The RealReal, a San Francisco–based online retailer specializing in authenticated, consigned luxury items, said it has received $50 million in growth equity financing from private equity firm Great Hill Partners. This brings the company’s total funding to $173 million.
Blue Nile has named Jason Goldberger, former chief digital officer and president of Target.com, as its new president and CEO, replacing Harvey Kanter, its CEO for five years. Kanter will remain company chairman.
Cinthia Moniz (pictured) joined Luca + Danni in May as vice president of sales. She was formerly a vice president of sales at JewelPop and regional sales manager for Pandora. In addition, Chad Westleigh, formerly of Alex and Ani, is the brand’s new director of e-commerce, and Bob Grant, formerly of Swarovski, signed on as senior operations manager.
A group led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny has purchased the Botswana operations of Firestone Diamonds for $5.1 million in cash. Diacore Diamond Group was also involved in the transaction.
Andrew Siegel (pictured) has joined the team at Hamilton Jewelers, becoming the fourth generation of his family to enter the Princeton, N.J.–based business. A former consultant with the Alexander Group, he will serve as director of business strategy and operations.
Freida Rothman has hired Jennifer Young as its director of sales for majors. She was previously a fine jewelry buyer at Nordstrom. Kendra Bridelle was appointed new director of sales for independents. She has worked for 20 years in the industry, most recently serving as vice president of sales at Judith Ripka.
Ring with 0.09 ct. t.w. diamonds, $957 (center stone not included), band with 0.1 ct. t.w. diamonds, $891, both in 14k white gold; Sylvie Collection; 800-992-3426; sylviecollection.com
Sylvie Collection has hired Arman Arkarakas as its new sales representative for the Canadian territories. He was recently a territory account manager at Fossil Canada. In addition, Frances Diniz has been named account manager for Western territories.
Bill Furman, a 45-year veteran of the JCK brand, has retired. He was most recently a sales executive for Reed Jewelry Group’s Jewelers International Showcase shows.
Michael Rawlinson, the CEO of British jewelry trade group National Association of Jewellers, has resigned.
Signet Jewelers’ chief operating officer, Bryan Morgan, resigned in June, after just five months on the job. A Harvard MBA, he had previously served as senior vice president of corporate supply chain management and facilities.
Charles & Colvard has promoted Don O’Connell (pictured) to chief operating officer and senior vice president, supply chain. His previous title was senior vice president, supply chain and distribution. In addition, Clint J. Pete was promoted to chief financial officer. For the past six months, he was interim chief financial officer, and before that, corporate controller.
COMPANIES
Neiman Marcus said it is no longer up for sale (reversing an earlier announcement). Reported suitors had included Hudson’s Bay, owner of rival department stores Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor.
ASSOCIATIONS
In June, the Diamond Dealers Club moved to the International Gem Tower from its longtime home at 580 Fifth Ave.
REMEMBERED
Lloyd Jaffe (pictured), a former diamantaire who headed the now-defunct American Diamond Industry Association, died April 20. He was 90.
Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer, the wife of former De Beers executive Jonathan Oppenheimer and chair of the company’s philanthropic arm, the De Beers Fund, died on May 16. She was 50.
HONORED
On Oct. 14, Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will honor Doug Hucker (pictured), CEO of the American Gem Trade Association, with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Its Excellence in Service Award will go to Avi Raz of A&Z Pearls in Los Angeles and the Bhindi family of Bhindi Jewellers in Artesia, Calif.