TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
EditorsJun 28, 2017
The Importance of Being Politically Active
If there are things you’d like lawmakers to do to help your business, then tell the people who were elected to represent you, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff writes.
A photo of the group who participated in last week’s fly-in in front of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Among those who visited D.C. was first-time fly-in participant Dan Deans of Asurion who said: “If we do not meet with lawmakers to advocate for our industry, other competing interests will, and they will win the day.”
After the election in November, I had a conversation with a close friend who is decidedly non-partisan--meaning, in her case, that she sees an equal amount of fault in both parties in power and voted for neither Clinton nor Trump--but also extremely politically active.
She does organizing in poor communities nationwide for a New York City-based organization called the Poverty Initiative and is currently working on a documentary, “America Will Be.”
In that conversation, my friend told me that she had considered posting a status update on Facebook reminding people that no matter who they voted for, they need to stay on the politicians in office to make sure they do what we elected them to do.
Though she ultimately decided against sharing this thought on Facebook, the conversation is one that has stayed with me and was brought to the fore again last week when I traveled to Washington, D.C. with Jewelers of America (which owns this fine publication) to attend a dinner with Maj. Gen. Tim Haake and Chris Fetzer. (Haake and Fetzer are D.C.-based attorneys who lobby in Washington on behalf of JA and its members.)
The dinner was part of a two-day fly-in in which JA gave retailers and suppliers the chance to learn about the issues affecting business and meet lawmakers.
At the dinner, Haake and Fetzer ran down the list of issues currently on the table that would impact independent jewelers, chief among them the ongoing battle to do something about internet sales tax collection, the seemingly now-dead Border Adjustment Tax and revisions to the FTC guides for jewelry.
For those who might have missed it, bills that would give states the power to force online retailers to collect sales tax are in play again in both the U.S. House and Senate. The bills were reintroduced by Rep. Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota) and Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming), respectively, and have a total of 20 sponsors, 10 in each house.
There’s also an opposing bill in the House.
Earlier this month, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) introduced the “No Regulation Without Representation” Act, which would prohibit states from imposing sales tax requirements on businesses with no physical presence in the state. The bill has nine cosponsors so far: Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wisc.), Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), K. Michael Conway (R-Texas), David A. Trott (R-Mich.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) and Colin C. Peterson (D-Minn.).
JA, which has the fine jewelry industry’s only political action committee in JAPAC, has been lobbying in Washington for sales tax “fairness” for years, and also was one of many retail groups to come out against the BAT.
I know that there are others in the industry that feel differently about these issues; Jewelry Television, for instance, has spoken out in support of Sensenbrenner’s bill and there were manufacturers that were for the Border Adjustment Tax.
So, this isn’t an article to express my political opinions or to get you, the reader, to try to see these issues one way or another.
Rather, it’s a reminder that if there are things you’d like to see change, then tell the people who were elected to represent you.
On a national level, you can use JA’s Legislative Action Center. If you don’t know who represents you in Congress, it will tell you.
Congress will be in session for the rest of the week, out next week for the Fourth of July holiday, and then back in session the following week until July 28.
I know that there are others in the industry that feel differently about these issues; Jewelry Television, for instance, has spoken out in support of Sensenbrenner’s bill and there were manufacturers that were for the Border Adjustment Tax.
So, this isn’t an article to express my political opinions or to get you, the reader, to try to see these issues one way or another.
Rather, it’s a reminder that if there are things you’d like to see change, then tell the people who were elected to represent you.
On a national level, you can use JA’s Legislative Action Center. If you don’t know who represents you in Congress, it will tell you.
Congress will be in session for the rest of the week, out next week for the Fourth of July holiday, and then back in session the following week until July 28.
More on Editors
The Latest
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
