Jewelers of America Welcomes Three New Directors to its Board

Jewelers of America (JA), a leading national trade association for the jewelry sector, has recently expanded its Board of Directors with the addition of three distinguished professionals. Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, and Amanda Coleman Phelps were officially welcomed to the board following their election at the annual general meeting on October 26, 2026. This strategic move is set to infuse the organization with fresh insights and robust leadership, further strengthening JA's commitment to its members and the broader jewelry community. The new directors bring a wealth of experience from various facets of the industry, promising to contribute significantly to JA's ongoing initiatives and strategic direction.

The newly appointed board members are expected to play a crucial role in advancing Jewelers of America's core mission. Their collective expertise will be instrumental in enhancing consumer confidence, promoting ethical business practices, and fostering a vibrant and sustainable future for the jewelry industry. JA's President & CEO, David Bonaparte, expressed enthusiasm for the new additions, highlighting their unique perspectives and valuable contributions to the board's dynamic. This expansion underscores JA's dedication to continuous improvement and its proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of its diverse membership.

New Leadership Bolsters Jewelers of America's Strategic Vision

Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the election of three new members to its Board of Directors: Lawrence Bock of Bachendorf's, Caryl Capeci of Starboard, and Amanda Coleman Phelps of Nelson Coleman Jewelers. These appointments, made during the annual general meeting on October 26, 2026, aim to enhance the organization's leadership with diverse expertise and perspectives, supporting its mission to foster growth, connection, advocacy, and leadership within the jewelry industry. The new directors were officially introduced at the subsequent board meeting on October 27, 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening JA's strategic direction and operational capabilities.

The addition of Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, and Amanda Coleman Phelps to the Jewelers of America Board of Directors is a strategic move designed to enrich the organization's leadership with diverse expertise and fresh perspectives. Lawrence Bock, President and third-generation owner of Bachendorf's, brings extensive experience in luxury jewelry retail, having led his company to significant success in Dallas and Fort Worth. Caryl Capeci, SVP of Fine Jewelry, Watches & Global Marketing at Starboard, offers a rich background in luxury retail, fine jewelry, and watches, with previous leadership roles at Hearts On Fire and Chow Tai Fook, as well as a strong foundation in advertising and marketing with De Beers Diamonds. Amanda Coleman Phelps, President & CEO of Nelson Coleman Jewelers, contributes her expertise in fine jewelry, customer relations, and community engagement, notably overseeing her company's charitable partnership program. Each new director's unique background and proven leadership will be invaluable in guiding JA's initiatives to support its members through opportunities for growth, connection, advocacy, and leadership, ultimately enhancing consumer confidence and promoting ethical practices across the jewelry industry.

Diverse Expertise to Drive Industry Growth and Ethical Practices

The newly elected directors, Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, and Amanda Coleman Phelps, bring a wealth of diverse expertise to the Jewelers of America Board. Their collective experience spans luxury retail, global marketing, and community engagement, which will be crucial in guiding JA's strategic direction. These appointments are expected to strengthen the organization's ability to deliver meaningful value to its members, fostering opportunities for growth, connection, advocacy, and leadership within the dynamic jewelry industry. The board's commitment to professionalism and ethical business practices, as outlined in JA's Code of Professional Practices, will be further reinforced by the insights and leadership of these new members.

The integration of Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, and Amanda Coleman Phelps into the Jewelers of America Board of Directors signifies a concerted effort to leverage diverse expertise for the advancement of the jewelry industry. Lawrence Bock's deep understanding of luxury retail, honed over decades at Bachendorf's, will provide valuable insights into market trends and consumer behavior. Caryl Capeci's extensive leadership in fine jewelry, watches, and global marketing, stemming from her roles at Hearts On Fire, Chow Tai Fook, and De Beers, will be instrumental in shaping JA's marketing strategies and enhancing industry visibility. Amanda Coleman Phelps's blend of expertise in fine jewelry, customer relations, and community engagement, as demonstrated through her leadership at Nelson Coleman Jewelers and its charitable initiatives, will foster stronger connections within the industry and promote social responsibility. Together, their varied backgrounds will empower the board to advise on strategic initiatives that not only drive business growth but also uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, ensuring that Jewelers of America continues to build consumer confidence and support its members effectively.