Janet Goldman, founder, CEO and creative director of Fragments, is an innovator and mentor who helped launch the careers of many of today’s most celebrated jeweler designers. In 1984 she opened Fragments, a cutting-edge jewelry and accessories showroom for emerging talent. Through her vision and creativity, Fragments evolved from a pioneer in fashion jewelry to the market leader in discovering, merchandising and presenting the best new designs in the fine and fashion jewelry industry.

Kerri Halpern, a self-described minimalist with a background in fashion, created MadStone™ fine jewelry that mixes cool colors, unusual stone setting and master metalsmithing. A collector of modern art and couture fashion, she loves skulls, super heroes, cowboys and rock & roll. She designs for women like her who are not interested in romantic-inspired jewelry. Her collections are wild, wearable and distinctly Kerri—named after her favorite cocktails (Bubbles), textures (Tufted) and collectables (MadAnimals).

Lisa Hubbard joined Sotheby’s in 1977 and is currently Chairman of North and South America for Sotheby’s International Jewelry Division. An auctioneer since 1981, she presided over record-breaking auctions, including the estate of the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and property from the collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The architect of the first specialized sale of fine jadeite jewels in Hong Kong in 1985, Hubbard was appointed Director of International Jewels, Asia in 1993.

Michael O’Connor is one of America’s leading voices on style, jewelry and accessories and the “go-to” resource for fashion editors and TV producers. For over 25 years, O’Connor has worked with top celebrities and celebrity stylists to accessorize for award shows. He has provided live coverage from the red carpet, appeared on national and international TV and is regularly quoted in the media for his expertise on current trends and celebrity style.

Since joining Jewelers of America in 1995, Matthew Runci’s primary mission has been to enhance the professionalism of member businesses in order to reinforce consumers’ confidence in the purchase of fine jewelry and watches. Runci was involved in the establishment of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the passage of the Clean Diamond Trade Act in the US Congress. A founding member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, Runci continues to serve as Chairman of the RJC board of directors. The RJC has established standards for social, ethical and environmental responsibility to apply to businesses at every level of the supply chain from mine to retail. Adherence to these standards by members is intended to reinforce consumer confidence in the business practices of RJC members companies and the supply chain. Current work on a voluntary chain-of-custody standard is on track to be completed by the end of this year.

Nina Runsdorf, NSR Jewelry, has a jewelry pedigree that boasts 32 generations of jewelers and diamond merchants in New York and Europe. A jewelry and accessories designer for Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and Wathne, Runsdorf launched her first jewelry collection in 2005, featuring diamonds and precious stones set in platinum and 18 karat gold. In 2010, she created Silver Skin and Stone, a unique collection of handmade silver washed in gold colors with natural skins and organic stones.