FRITSCH RECEIVES FRENCH MINERALOLOGICAL PRIZE

Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch, a professor of physics at Nantes University in France and formerly a research scientist at the Gemological Institute of America, recently won the Jean Rose Prize. The prize honors young French scientists who develop certain aspects of mineralogy.

Fritsch earned a geology engineering degree in 1981 and a doctorate in 1985 in France. He got his first taste of gemology while studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, where he met Pierre Bariand, curator of the university’s mineral collection. He later moved to the U.S. to pursue post-doctoral studies at GIA, where he subsequently became a graduate gemologist and manager of the research department. At GIA, Fritsch wrote more than 70 papers in gemology, many of which were published in Gems & Gemology, GIA’s quarterly magazine, and other international publications, including JCK.

He specialized in the spectroscopic applications of gemology and the origin of color and luminescence in gemstones. He also studied diamonds. He worked with scientists Ken Scarratt and Alan Collins to discover diamonds that are hydrogen-rich and with Dr. James Shigley and other colleagues at GIA to study synthetic diamonds.

Fritsch joined the Nantes faculty in 1995 and now is developing an advanced gemology program (in English). For information about the program, contact Professor Bernard Lasnier, Laboratoire de Gemmologie, U.F.R. des Sciences et Techniques, 2 Rue de la Houssiniere, F-44032 Nantes, France; fax (33-40) 37 30 49.

APPOINTMENTS/CAREER MOVES

Barbara Hight-Randall, Midwest regional director for the Diamond Promotion Service, has left to start her own diamond and jewelry business with her husband, Leslie “Randy” Randall in Rochester, Minn. The business, called Hight & Randall Ltd., Personal Jeweler, will focus on diamonds and estate and antique jewelry. Hight-Randall will continue to pursue marketing and educational efforts as a consultant.

Caroline Stanley, a third-generation retail jeweler from Stanley Jewelers in Little Rock, Ark., and a former president of the Arkansas Jewelers Association, joined the Platinum Guild International USA Jewelry as communications coordinator. Stanley will serve as PGI-USA’s primary liaison with retail jewelers, develop and schedule retail sales training seminars, create and implement a retailer platinum jewelry starter kit for first-time platinum buyers and speak to retail jewelry associations about how to build business with platinum jewelry.

Robert L. Evans was appointed manager for Manart Fine Jewelry Co., Los Angeles, Cal.

Michael C. Kearney was named vice president and treasurer of Zale Corp., Irving, Tex. He will oversee the company’s treasury and tax departments. Kearney was previously vice president and treasurer of FoxMeyer Health Corp., where he was responsible for corporate finance, cash management, treasury operations, risk management and credit. Before that, he was a vice president for National Convenience Stores, a multiunit retailer.

Bob Harris was named vice president of sales at Krementz & Co., Newark, N.J. During an earlier tenure at Krementz, he was vice president of sales for the bridal division and regional vice president.

Lee Lawrence was appointed international sales manager for Jewelers’ Circular-Keystone and for the recently acquired group of IDP publications (New York Diamonds, Miami Diamonds, Israel Diamonds, Diamond World Review, Russian Diamonds and Tokyo Diamonds). A key member of the staff since 1963 and national sales manager for 20 years, Lawrence will now direct and coordinate the sales operations of all units in JCK’s jewelry industry enterprises.

Franz Brunner joined Jules Jurgensen and Helbros as director of the retail sales division. Previously president of Nicolet Watch Co., Franz will create and merchandise private-label and branded merchandise to retail jewelry stores.

Lisa Perry was named marking manager for Danforth Pewterers in Middlebury, Vt. She will oversee marketing, advertising and public relations activities. Before joining Danforth, Perry was with Reed & Barton Silversmiths in Massachusetts for nine years, most recently as public relations manager.

Carol Yachtis was promoted from assistant sales manager to national special events coordinator at Portmeirion USA/S.P. Skinner Co. She will promote the products of Portmeirion USA, Cardew Design, Strahl and Bossons at the retail and consumer levels.

Michael Good Designs promoted Antje Roitzsch to the position of jewelry designer. Roitzsch, a German-trained goldsmith, has worked for the company since 1988.

Nikon Inc., the sole agent for Perrelet watches in the U.S., named Andrea Suriano manager of sales and marketing. She will head up the introduction of an exclusive line of Swiss luxury watches in the U.S. Suriano formerly owned and operated two high-end retail jewelry stores in Palm Beach, Fla., and managed an international watch and jewelry buying office in Switzerland.

Maury L. Popowich, who was vice president and cochairman of Regal Industries Inc. (Kreisler Watchbands), left the company in May to pursue other interests. Popowich and his brother, Cochairman David Popowich, sold Regal in 1995 to Charterhouse Group Ltd., which also owns the Gruen and Benrus watch brands.

Tramelan USA, exclusive distributor of Tramelan watches in the U.S., appointed Herbert Yuttal national sales manager. He will oversee all facets of sales, including the establishment of a national sales force. Yuttal is a former representative for Montre Royal de Geneve and Baume & Mercier watches and is a past president of the 24-Karat Club in Dallas.

OBITUARIES

Mel Paull of Pittsburgh, Pa., sales representative for Oro International’s Mid-Atlantic region, died in April. He had been with Oro International for 15 years.

Terry Lee Harvey, 47, of Hixson, Tenn., owner of Showcase Jewelers and Golden Glitter at Northgate Mall, died March 29.

Jeweler Carroll Joseph Storm, 74, of Phoenix, Ariz., died March 22.

Berta Thal of Fox’s Gem Shop in Seattle, Wash., died April 23. She is survived by Sid Thal, her husband of more than 60 years, son Steven, daughters Cindy Muscatel and Joy Mann, and four grandchildren.