JA Members Return to Capitol Hill to Voice Jewelers’ Concerns
The topics up for discussion with lawmakers included inflation, rising interest rates, hiring challenges, and crime.

The fly-in marked the organization’s first trip to the Capitol since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re thrilled to be back in D.C. for our annual fly-in,” said JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“This was a chance to re-introduce the association and our members to key policy-makers and ensure the voice of the jewelry industry is heard loud and clear.”
The trip was led by the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee, the only PAC representing the fine jewelry industry.
Bonaparte and Director of Public Affairs & Education Susan Thea Posnock, alongside Tim Haake, managing director of Haake & Associates, JA’s government affairs firm, led the group.
Jewelers of America members attending the fly-in included Jon Bridge of Ben Bridge Jeweler, Dan Deans of Asurion, Susan Grant of Grants Jewelry, Joan Harris, Mathew J. Harris and David F. Harris of G&H Jewelers, Sudhir Kakadia of Sheetal Group USA Inc, Chuck Kuba of Iowa Diamond, and Constance Polamalu of Zachary's Jewelers.
The American Gem Trade Association’s new CEO John Ford and 1st Vice President David Nassi also joined the fly-in.

The issues up for discussion included a call for a pro-growth tax policy to help U.S. companies compete in the global landscape.
The members advocated for more government support for small businesses and spoke out against being burdened by business regulations and related compliance costs.
They also asked to work together on maintaining ethical and sustainable supply chains.
Long-standing issues were also up for discussion, like the need to protect LIFO, the last-in first-out accounting method used by industry members, and sales tax fairness.
Sales tax is currently decided by the states, but a federal framework could be needed, said JA.
The delegation met with several lawmakers and congressional staff, including Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21 and Republican Conference Chair), and Rep. Carol Miller (R, WV-03).
The group also met with Rep. Pete Sessions (R, TX-17), Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and other members of Congress.
The event also included a private tour of the Capitol Dome and a breakfast presentation from Charlie Cook, former editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, who gave his take on the upcoming elections.
Cook’s presentation is available to Jewelers of America members on its website.
The Latest

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.