The 2025 program marks a milestone year for the 20 Under 40 initiative, which debuted in 2022 to spotlight retail professionals. This year, Jewelers of America expanded the program to include a new category honoring jewelry supplier professionals, recognizing individuals in design, manufacturing, wholesale, and services supporting retail jewelers. A total of 40 rising stars were selected: 20 from jewelry retail and 20 from the supplier sector.
“Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 program was created to spotlight the rising stars shaping the future of the jewelry industry. Vanessa Guarino exemplifies the innovation, dedication, and leadership that will drive the industry forward and inspire the next generation of professionals,” says David Bonaparte, President & CEO of Jewelers of America.
Award recipients were carefully selected by a panel of industry experts based on their professional success, leadership abilities, innovative approach, and dedication to the jewelry community. All honorees also demonstrated alignment with Jewelers of America’s Code of Professional Practices and uphold the highest standards of professional ethics.
Louis Anthony Jewelers is a member of Jewelers of America, the national association for fine jewelry businesses with the most reputable jewelers in the United States, backed by a commitment to Jewelers of America’s Code of Professional Practices.
At 37 years old, Vanessa blends smarts, charisma, and creativity with a solid sense of humor and a serious love for storytelling. With a degree in Media and Communications, she’s spent the past decade building a career in digital marketing and content strategy, always focused on creating connections and sparking conversation. Known for her sharp insights and magnetic energy, Vanessa thrives in fast-paced, creative spaces. Whether leading a campaign or decoding TikTok trends for a boardroom, she brings clarity and authenticity, and she usually snacks.
Outgoing by nature and passionate about projects that amplify diverse voices, she’s also a big fan of spontaneous travel, good coffee, and conversations that go from memes to meaning in five minutes flat. Media isn’t just her job — it’s how she builds community, whether online, offline, or in line at Target.
For more information about Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 List, click here.
About Jewelers of America: Jewelers of America (JA) is the most trusted and influential voice of the jewelry industry. With a mission to empower and unite its members, Jewelers of America provides expert guidance, education and advocacy to promote excellence, integrity, and success in an evolving marketplace. Since 1906, Jewelers of America has been advancing the fine jewelry industry, setting high ethical standards and fostering professional growth for their members. Jewelers of America represents a large, diverse membership of retailers and suppliers in the United States, who commit annually to the organization’s Code of Professional Practices.
