(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – The Diamond Producers Association, an international alliance of diamond mining companies, announces the appointment of Grant Mobley to lead the U.S. Trade.
Mobley, a diamonds graduate from the Gemological Institute of America, joins the DPA with more than 13 years of experience in the jewelry industry, encompassing retail, manufacturing, and sourcing. In his newly created role, Mobley will be at the forefront of partnering with retailers and other industry stakeholders to share insights and impact of the “Real is Rare. Real is a Diamond” platform. Likewise, the industry’s input and experience will strengthen and amplify the campaign’s long-term success.
“The addition of Grant, an experienced diamond expert, to the DPA creates an important link to the industry,” said Deborah Marquardt, DPA’s chief marketing officer. “His depth of his knowledge, industry expertise, strong retailer relationships and passion for diamonds will be instrumental as the ‘Real is Rare’ platform continues to grow and evolve.”
Mobley most recently led sales for Pluczenik Diamond Company, a leading diamond sightholder and manufacturer. A sought-after spokesperson, he has been quoted about diamonds in multiple national and international publications such as Buzzfeed, Brides, Cosmopolitan, W Magazine and Elle. Mobley has also been active in the largest and most important jewelry trade organizations in North America including IJO, RJO, CBG, SJTA, and Plumb Club.
Honoring a Legacy: How Smith & Son Jewelers Exceeded Every Goal With Wilkerson
When Andrew Smith decided to close the Springfield, Massachusetts location of Smith & Son Jewelers, the decision came down to family. His father was retiring after 72 years in the business, and Andrew wanted to spend more time with his children and soon-to-arrive grandchildren.
For this fourth-generation jeweler whose great-grandfather founded the company in 1918, closing the 107-year-old Springfield location required the right partner. Smith chose Wilkerson, and the experience exceeded expectations from start to finish.
"Everything they told me was 100% true," Smith says. "The ease and use of all their tools was wonderful."
The consultants' knowledge and expertise proved invaluable. Smith and his father set their own financial goal, but Wilkerson proposed three more ambitious targets. "We thought we would never make it," Smith explains. "We were dead wrong. We hit our first goal, second goal and third goal. It was amazing."
Smith's recommendation is emphatic: "I would never be able to do what they did by myself."
