The 2022 recipients – who are all employees of JA Member stores – went through a nomination process and were selected by a jewelry industry judging panel. From designers to assistants to store owners to C-suite executives, every professional on the 20 Under 40 list has made a positive impact on their store and the industry as a whole.
View Jewelers of America's 20 Under 40 list below to find a recipient near you!
Northeast
 Stephanie Binder Founder & CEO Boston Diamond Company Boston, MA About Stephanie: Entrepreneur turned jeweler, Stephanie Binder, Founder and CEO of Boston Diamond Company, created a high-end luxury jewelry brand that fostered a genuine trust from her clients. Drawing on years of experience from her mother’s jewelry business and formal education at GIA, Stephanie set out to become an award-winning custom jeweler. Attention to detail, creating high end jewelry and five-star customer service cemented Stephanie’s reputation nationwide. Boston Diamond Company rapidly achieved accolades and recognition from, The WSJ, The Knot, NBC, TLC’s Married At First Sight 2022, NECN, CBS, Boston Magazine, and was nationally recognized on the cover of the U.S Small Business Administration Magazine. Stephanie’s hard work and dedication have gained the trust of professional athletes, celebrities and entertainers. Boston Diamond Company has garnered a large social media following and over 150 five-star reviews. Being a woman in business, Stephanie had first-hand knowledge of the challenges of starting a company and recognized an immense gender imbalance in the jewelry industry. Stephanie’s resiliency and resolve gave her the ability to withstand adversity, paving a way for women in the industry and in her community. With a long history of volunteer commitments including Boston’s Rosie's Place and Horizons for Homeless Children, Stephanie has the spirit of being selfless and putting others first. |
 Amanda Coleman-Phelps President/Owner Nelson Coleman Jewelers & Jewelry By Designs Towson, MD About Amanda: Amanda B. Coleman-Phelps is the sixth generation of the Nelson Coleman Jewelers family business and is the first female owner of the store. After her first year in the business, she attended the residence program at the Gemological Institute of America and became a Graduate Gemologist. Amanda then completed the Registered Jewelers program and received her Certified Gemologist Appraisers title with the American Gem Society in 2008. Amanda achieved her Associates Degree at Essex Community College of Baltimore County and continued on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing at The University of Baltimore Merrick Business School. In 2015 Amanda started Mayflower Estate Buyers and Consulting, LLC a jewelry company with a concentration in professional services such as large appraisals and B2B services like buying and selling events for other jewelers across the country. Amanda made the acquisition of American Gem Society retail jewelry store Jewelry By Designs in Woodbridge, VA in March of 2020 and plans to expand Nelson Coleman Jewelers to its second location by 4th quarter of 2022. Amanda is currently working on her Diversity and Inclusivity certificate from eCornell and is slated to graduate in March 2022. Amanda sits on the boards of Leading Jewelers Guild, American Gem Society and the Maryland Retail Association. |
 Joseph Corey President Day's Jewelers* Waterville, ME About Joseph: Joseph Corey is President of Day’s Jewelers, a chain of eight jewelry stores, located in Maine and New Hampshire, and full e-commerce website. The company was founded in 1914 and currently employs 125 people. Joseph is responsible for oversight of all company operations. Joseph's experience in the jewelry business began at age 5 under the tutelage of his parents, then owners of Day's Jewelers. He became officially employed by Day's in 2007, hired as a Service Specialist. Joe has since served as Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager, Vice President of Store Operations and most recently hired as Day's President in January 2021. He developed and executed Day’s Jewelers COVID-19 response strategy. Joseph currently serves on JCK Las Vegas Show’s Advisory Board and the Jewelers for Children Board of Directors. |
 Katherine Dahlkemper Assistant Manager Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection Erie, PA About Katherine: Katherine Dahlkemper is the Assistant Manager & Director of Marketing at Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection, in Erie, PA. At the age of 27, Katherine earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and her Graduate Diamonds Diploma through GIA, all while working at the store for the last 12 years. She finds a great deal of value in networking & also through the RJO Foundation where she recently participated in a weekend long education course called Next Gen. Katherine is committed to continuing education and is constantly researching trends in the industry to help position the store to be on the cutting edge. She has improved inventory management through smart buying & liquidation of old inventory. She is responsible for all advertising, marketing, and in-store promotions. Over the last several years, she has elevated the company’s online presence and continues to provide a strong, positive, dedicated presence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
 Constance Polamalu C.O.O Zachary's Jewelers Annapolis, MD About Constance: Constance Polamalu is an American Samoan first-generation jeweler who serves as Chief Operating Officer at award winning, multi-brand independent retailer Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis, Maryland. She is a member of Jewelers of America, American Gem Society, and Women’s Jewelry Association, and sits on the Forevermark Leadership Council. In 2021, she launched Birthright Foundry, a culturally charged luxury brand. The brand is an exploration and celebration of under-represented cultures through the lens of a fine jeweler, starting with her own Polynesian heritage. Birthright Foundry was built as a jewelry brand dedicated to preserving and resurrecting culturally significant stories. Constance Polamalu and Birthright Foundry were selected as one of six designers for the Natural Diamond Council x Lorraine Schwartz Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative in early 2021, a program intended to create equity for minority jewelry designers. |
 Lauren Priori Owner L. Priori Jewelry* Philadelphia, PA About Lauren: Lauren Priori is the Founder, Owner and CEO of L. Priori Jewelry. In 2016, Lauren left the male-dominated world of Philadelphia’s Jeweler’s Row to start a new kind of jewelry company, L. Priori Jewelry. Lauren grew the company with a by-appointment business model focused on unique jewels including custom engagement rings and redesigned heirloom jewels, as well as one-of-a-kind estate pieces. Due to its rising success, the company expanded to three storefronts. L. Priori was recognized in 2017 as Best of Philly for Estate Jewelry and Lauren was nominated by Philadelphia’s Business Journal as one of Philly’s Most Admired CEOs for 2021. Dedicated to the industry and her community, Lauren took initiative to relaunch the Philadelphia chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association in 2017 and served as President. Lauren is also a small circle leader for the Circle of Aunts and Uncles, a community group providing low interest loans to underserved entrepreneurs. Lauren has built a culture for her company that will always stand with Jewelers of America’s Code of Professional Practices. L. Priori prides itself in always remaining transparent with clients and making sure they are comfortable, confident and educated in their jewelry investments. |
 Andrew Siegel C.O.O Hamilton Jewelers* Princeton, NJ About Andrew: Andrew Siegel is the fourth generation of Siegel family ownership at Hamilton, the 110-year-old-heritage fine jeweler in Princeton, NJ, Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Andrew's role encompasses strategy, operations, business development, planning, sales, sustainability, technology, construction liaison and management. In his day-to-day work, Andrew focuses on the client – both external (customers) and internal (team members) – and shapes his functions to meet the larger purpose of making their day and contributing to his customers, teams, community, and to Hamilton. A firm believer in the adage that “if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room,” he leans on the expertise of the remarkable team around him to help him reach those goals. Since joining the industry, Andrew has embraced not only his role, but his responsibility to support the industry and local communities. He serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and Diamonds Do Good and was recently elected as President of the Princeton Merchants Association. Andrew has also been appointed by the Mayor and Council of Princeton NJ to serve on the Economic Development Committee, tasked with exploring ways to improve business in the destination town of Princeton. He is a sought-after panelist on subjects such as client experience, company culture and management, and propelling a heritage brand forward. |
South
 Wes Anderson Co-Owner, Manager & Designer T.K. Anderson Designs Athens, GA About Wes: Wes Anderson is a third-generation jeweler, continuing to evolve the family business through design work and creativity. Working with others to design and create lasting heirlooms is what drives his passion for jewelry and gemstones. He believes the industry needs to set a higher standard of design and manufacturing, paving a new foundation for upcoming, independent jewelers which is exactly what he has accomplished in the past decade. Throughout time, technology has been a huge asset for advancement in the jewelry world. Along with technology, Wes believes the core values of ethics and loyalty remain most important to keep the jewelry business operating. Be kind, educate clients and value everyday relationships and business will continue to flourish for years to come. |
 Chad Berg Co-Owner & Co-President Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry* New Orleans, LA About Chad: Chad, along with his two brothers, is Co-President of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, an independent, ten-store jewelry chain in the south. Chad oversees merchandising and marketing for Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. Chad also oversee all operations in New Orleans and Lafayette, LA and Jackson, MS. Chad is a Past President of Jewelers of Louisiana and on the boards of Jewelers' Security Alliance and Jewelers for Children. His past leadership roles include Board Chair of Red Cross Southeast Louisiana, Vice Chair, Board of Directors; Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. Chad is a past Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans Rising Star recipient, selected as one of six winners in the New Orleans area for entrepreneurship. Being a part of a family-owned business has afforded Chad the freedom to discover new ways to leave his own imprint and continue to enhance the legacy created by his father, Lee Michael Berg. |
 Jordan Dubin Co-Owner Dubin's Fine Jewelry Houston, TX About Jordan: Jordan Dubin is Co-Owner of Dubin’s Fine Jewelry in Houston, TX and is responsible for customer service, design, manufacturing, product development, marketing and more. He is also currently working towards obtaining his Graduate Gemologist degree through GIA. He has worked diligently on building the store’s e-commerce website from the ground up and has been the leader of the brand’s marketing plan. Jordan is dedicated to his philanthropic endeavors and community and through his efforts, his company has made donations to hurricane relief funds, food banks and book drives. Their “Book for a Book” campaign encourages customers to drop off a book and in return they are automatically entered into a raffle to win a gold book pendant, designed by Jordan to promote literacy. With the help of his efforts, Dubin’s Fine Jewelry was named the number one local jewelry store in Houston and were voted Best of the Best in 2020 by the Houston Chronicle, voted-in by members of the community in which he serves. |
 Alexandra Hevia Schlindwein Marketing Director Kiefer Jewelers* Lutz, FL About Alexandra: Alexandra Hevia Schlindwein is the Marketing Director at Kiefer Jewelers, managing social media, digital communications and e-commerce, as well as serving as the diamond department buyer and Rolex specialist. Alexandra grew up working in her parent’s jewelry store, and after experiencing multiple different jobs in the jewelry industry including Marketing Director for Cheri Dori’s bridal line, she eventually returned to her parent’s third store as General Manager. During her time in that role, the company’s sales grew an average of 20% annually. She has since stepped away from that role to start a family and transitioned to Marketing Director to customize and improve the company’s marketing techniques. Alexandra was one of the founding members of the IJO Next Gen Board of Directors and is active in her Lutz, Florida community. She is also currently leading a new mission for sustainability in the business. |
 Trisha Kennedy-Thompson Co-Owner Kennedy’s Jewelers Blue Springs, MO About Trisha: Trisha Kennedy-Thompson is Co-Owner of Kennedy’s Jewelers, which she took over managing from her parents at the age of 27, and then she and her brother officially bought their father out in 2021. She is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, Certified Gemologist through AGS, a JA Certified Sales and Management Professional, and an NAJA member. Trisha is very involved in her local community, serving on the board of the local Rotary Club and the Rainbow Center, a school for special needs children and adults. She is a past President of the Rotary Club and was the youngest person to ever hold the position. Kennedy’s Jewelers won the Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year in 2015 just after Trisha took over, and she also won the Blue Springs Citizen of the Year in 2018. In 2021, Trisha oversaw a half million-dollar remodel of the business and the store made $4.2 million in sales, making it their best year ever in 38 years. |
Midwest
 Erin Bacher Store Manager J. Bacher Fine Jewelry Harrisburg, IL About Erin: Erin Bacher is the fourth generation of her family to enter the jewelry industry and has earned her Accredited Jewelry Professional certification through GIA with a vision to ultimately complete the Graduate Gemologist program. She also has completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Small Business Management. She uses her artistic talent in photography to capture the essence of jewelry and market them on the company website and social media. She was instrumental in building the vision of redesigning the showroom in 2020, elevating it to a bright, welcoming area. In 2016, her design made her a top 10 finalist in Canadamark's international design competition. Erin has helped to increase the store’s margins and merchandise sales have more than tripled over the past ten years. J. Bacher Fine Jewelry was voted best jewelry store in Southern Illinois for three years running. |
 Andy Brabec Director of Marketing & Ecommerce Borsheims Omaha, NE About Andy: Andy Brabec is responsible for overseeing and leading the marketing and e-commerce teams at Borsheims. His job entails reviewing online sales, building brand awareness, creating new partnerships with brands and individuals, innovating to solve for daily opportunities, reviewing and approving marketing campaigns and more. Andy overhauled the company’s website to create a more accessible and user-friendly site. He has heavily focused on developing their omni channel business and culture over the past two years, which ensures all customers have the same signature Borsheims experience whether they shop online or in-store. He formed new and flourishing partnerships with companies in different industries including being one of the first jewelry companies to sign an NIL student athlete as an ambassador for the brand. Beyond these achievements, he has been one of the biggest contributions to the company's success through leadership, constant innovation and improving current processes. |
 Jessica Gylsen Store Manager & Diamond Department Manager Wixon Jewelers Minneapolis, MN About Jessica: Jessica Gylsen is one of the Store Managers at Wixon Jewelers, focusing on private client sales. As a twenty three-year sales veteran, Jessica maintains a vast database of loyal clients and is responsible for assisting many top-tier VIP clients. When she’s not on the floor assisting clients, she can usually be found writing content, conceptualizing jewelry designs, planning in-store events or curating the exceptional collections of diamonds and gemstones for the showroom. Jessica has a very discerning eye for quality which makes her invaluable in her role as a diamond buyer. Alongside owners Dan and Hope Wixon, Jessica assists in making inventory decisions to select a cultivated collection of diamond and gemstone jewelry that could rival the top jewelry houses across the country. In addition to being a contributing writer to the in-house magazine, Jessica assists the marketing team in handling the company’s social media efforts, creating engaging videos and content for their customers. |
West
 Christian Bolling Jewelry Designer Jeffery B. Jewelers Denver, CO About Christian: Christian Bolling is a trained horologist who oversees the watch repair department at Jeffery B. Jewelers in Denver, Colorado. Christian has excelled in 3D CAD jewelry designing with Firestorm CAD and Matrix for the last 7 years, leading him to develop his own brand, Christian Stoné, in May 2018. His passion for designing jewelry has expanded the company into a younger clientele including several professional athletes of the NFL and also professional entertainers within the music industry as well as the film industry. His custom designs span from pendants and bracelets to diamond grills and designer glasses. Christian steers away from the traditional business model and re-thinks how jewelry will be sold and viewed in this social media era. Christian is the next generation at Jeffery B. Jewelers and is ready for the challenge. |
 Lisa Bridge President & CEO Ben Bridge Jeweler* Seattle, WA About Lisa: Lisa Bridge is President and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, which operates 36 stores in the Western US. Lisa is a fifth-generation jeweler and has worked in many facets of the business including in-store sales, merchandise and education. Since taking the role of President in 2017 and CEO in 2019, Lisa has focused on the evolution of the Ben Bridge brand and customer experience. To live their Personal Jeweler mission, Lisa and her team have re-envisioned their store design, brand presentations, exclusive merchandise, store associate tools and digital experience. Lisa is the President-Elect of the American Gem Society and has previously served as their Education and Young Titleholders Chair. Diversity, equity and inclusion are deeply important to Lisa, and over the past two years they have held company-wide roundtables, collaborated with artists for artwork featured across store windows and on their historic clock, held ongoing team trainings, and offered a GIA scholarship and mentoring program in honor of long-time team member Lonia Tate through the Black in Jewelry Coalition (to which Lisa sits on the Board of Advisors). |
 Isabelle Corvin Staff Gemologist & Merchandising Manager Panowicz Jewelers Olympia, WA About Isabelle: Isabelle Corvin is a Staff Gemologist, Appraiser and Merchandising Manager at Panowicz Jewelers, where she has been employed for the past 10 years. Isabelle earned her Graduate Gemologist degree from GIA and went on to earn the Certified Gemologist title from AGS shortly after. She combined her passion of writing and love of gemology to write for the Panowicz Jewelers blog and has had her work featured in other industry outlets. She is regularly contacted for quotes about gemstone myths by trade media and has spoken at two AGS Conclave events. Panowicz Jewelers now partners with schools and local learning centers to host events for children of all ages and share knowledge about gemstones. She is dedicated to expanding information about the jewelry industry to younger generations and providing details on choosing jewelry as a career path. |
 Valerie Madison Owner & Creative Director Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry Seattle, WA About Valerie: Valerie Madison is the Owner and Creative Director of Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry, an e-commerce and brick-and-mortar store in Madrona, Seattle. She oversees all production, creative photography direction, marketing efforts and her team of 12 full-time employees. As one of the only Black Latina fine jewelry designers in the world, Valerie brings a unique and modern perspective that challenges the fine jewelry landscape. She has built her business from the ground up, with no outside investors, familial connections or prior experience, to a team of over a dozen women, a flagship storefront and a thriving e-commerce business. As Creative Director, Valerie is the sole designer and leads a skillful production team in the creation of her designs. With her keen eye for detail and passion for individuality, her designs celebrate not only the beauty of life and love, but also the natural world and the stunning gemstones that come from it. |
 Alexis Padis President Padis Jewelers* San Francisco, CA About Alexis: Alexis Padis is the President of Padis Jewelry, which operates five locations between San Francisco and Napa, and a DeBeers Forevermark store in Walnut Creek. In addition to her work with Padis Jewelry, Alexis serves as Secretary for the American Gem Society (AGS) Board of Directors, Conclave Chair and Vice President of the AGS Young Titleholders. Alexis also serves on the Luxury/JCK Board, The Jewelers of America National Convention Committee, The Jewelers Mutual Jewelers Advisory Council and the Jewelers For Children Executive Board of Directors. In 2017, Alexis received the Women’s Jewelry Association Award of Excellence in Retail and she was also recently acknowledged as the 2020 AGS Young Titleholder of the Year. She is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser. She joined Padis Jewelry focused primarily on a large-scale rebranding effort and now spearheads operational improvements, sales, education and marketing across the company. Year-over-year sales and operations overall have improved largely due to her efforts. |
*Indicates company has more than one store location.
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