OPENING

Detroit-based watch and accessories brand Shinola has opened its second New York City location, in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood. The brand already has a flagship store in Manhattan’s Tribeca.

COMPANIES

Signet Jewelers has expanded its Barberton, Ohio, non-merchandise fulfillment center by 65 percent, adding 56,000 square feet— for a total of 134,000 square feet—to the facility.

Diamonds Direct has acquired two companies—Distinctive Diamonds, which has stores in Indianapolis and St. Louis, and sister company Global Diamonds, with stores in Jacksonville, Fla., and Salt Lake City. This brings the chain’s total to 14 stores. (Pictured: Diamonds Direct’s Itay Berger)

On Feb. 12, Pawn America, a chain of nearly two dozen pawnshops, filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Minnesota. The company intends to remain in business.

Heraeus Precious Metals has acquired all of Swiss precious metals processor Argor-Heraeus. It previously had a 33 percent stake in the company. The acquisition will turn Heraeus into the world’s largest provider of precious metals services, the company says.

Judith Ripka Ltd. has signed a new license agreement that lets Pranda North America Inc. manufacture its fine jewelry line. Pranda takes over from KGK. Ripka owner Xcel Brands Inc. will handle product design, ­merchandising, and marketing.

R2Net, owner of jewelry e-tailer James Allen, has received a $140 million equity investment from Francisco Partners.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Miner Gem Diamonds has named Harry Kenyon-Slaney (pictured) its chairman and independent nonexecutive director. He succeeds Roger Davis. Kenyon-Slaney is currently a senior adviser to McKinsey & Co. and was once CEO of Rio Tinto’s diamond division.

New York City–based Ashi ­Diamonds has appointed Al ­Minor its national director of sales. He ­previously worked for Endless ­Jewelry, Pandora, and I.B. Goodman.

Leslie Kobrin is the new president of Vacheron Constantin Americas, overseeing North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. She takes over from Vincent Brun.

The Atlanta Jewelry Show has promoted Libby Brown (pictured) from assistant executive director to executive director. She succeeds Carol Young, who had held that position for 20 years.

The New York City–based Royal Chain Group has hired Tim O’Neal as its newest sales representative. He previously worked for Aurafin, Kim International, and Belair Watches.

Mark Mazzarese has been appointed CEO of Kansas City, Mo.–based watch brand Niall. He replaces Michael Wilson, who becomes chief technology officer. Mazzarese was previously president and owner of Mazzarese Jewelry, a retailer in Leawood, Kan.

REMEMBERED

Alan I. Kadet (pictured), a World War II ­veteran who became chairman of ­Rogers & Hollands Jewelers and helped build it into an 80-store chain, died April 3. He was 91.

 

Top: the Eppie Sneed with polished PVD gold bracelet and malachite dial; $950; Gomelsky by Shinola; 888-304-2534; shinola.com