JCK Industry Fund Now Accepting Applications
Organizations with a project or initiative aimed at bettering the jewelry industry are encouraged to apply.

The fund’s goal is to support the success and growth of the jewelry industry by granting funding to organizations capable of improving the industry.
“We encourage any organization that is looking to make a positive impact in the overall industry to apply,” said Sarin Bachmann, group vice president, RX jewelry portfolio and JCK Industry Fund committee chair.
“By offering grants to a wide range of initiatives and organizations, we can collectively do more to accelerate the growth and health of our industry at large.”
Recipients are chosen based on how their goals mesh with the goals of the fund.
Companies, organizations, and nonprofit associations with a project or initiative that will benefit the jewelry industry through commerce, development, consumer confidence, advancing business practices, or diversity and inclusion are encouraged to apply, said JCK.
The committee that chooses is stacked with jewelry industry leaders, including John Green, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green; Michael Lerche, president of Goldstar Jewellery LLC; Eddie LeVian, CEO of Le Vian; and Sam Sandberg, chairman of A. Jaffe.
The group will review the applications and select the recipients, who will be notified in early 2023. A formal announcement will follow.
Since its founding in 1997, the fund has awarded more than $7 million toward program grants. JCK has donated $250,000 or more to the fund each year since its inception.
JCK donates a percentage of event registration fees toward the fund. Independent donors also make contributions.
This year, with its in-person show back in full swing, the fund granted nearly $300,000 to recipients, the highest amount awarded in more than five years.
The 2022 grants were awarded to the following organizations: American Jewelry Design Council, Black in Jewelry Coalition, Diamonds Do Good, Gem Legacy, International Colored Gemstone Association, Jewelers of America, Jewelers Security Alliance, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Mercury Free Mining, MJSA Education Foundation, and Women’s Jewelry Association.
Applications for the 2023 JCK Industry Fund are available online and due by Nov. 18.
Donations to the JCK Industry Fund can also be made online.
The Latest

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.

The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.


Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

One is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.























