SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
IndependentsAug 12, 2016
Two Indiana jewelers are ‘Open for Service’
Following the passage of a controversial religious freedom law, at least two Hoosier State jewelers are among the businesses that want to make their stance on discrimination known.
Passed by the state’s General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence Thursday, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, was designed to protect individuals or companies from being forced to doing something that conflicts with their religious beliefs, lawmakers say.
Critics allege the bill would allow business owners to discriminate against the LGBT community, to refuse service to people based on their sexual orientation.
The law caused widespread blowback across the country, with large corporations like Columbus, Ohio-based Angie’s List and San Francisco-based Salesforce.com among the first vowing to dial down business in the Hoosier State. Even the N.C.A.A., which is set to begin its men’s Final Four basketball tournament in Indianapolis this coming weekend, is expressing concern over the message the legislation sends.
Smaller businesses in Indiana also have been public about their disdain over the RFRA, so much so that they’ve propelled a simple website into a national movement.
About two weeks ago, before the RFRA even became law, a Valparaiso, Ind. native named Josh Driver put up OpenforService.org and created its $10 stickers and online badges with the idea that Indiana businesses could use them to show their support for all people, regardless of sexual orientation.
“This business serves everyone,” the sticker reads, followed by, in smaller font, “Learn more and find other companies that celebrate an open economy at OpenForService.org.”
A wide variety of businesses have embraced Open for Service, including bakeries, breweries and at least two independent jewelers, and the movement has attracted attention from business owners as far away as New York and Los Angeles, according to a story on Driver by The Indianapolis Star.
Bob Goodman, a third generation jeweler who owns and operates Robert Goodman Jewelers with his wife Rose-Marie, said he was one of the first merchants on Main Street in Zionsville, Ind. to purchase and put up his Open for Service sticker, after learning about the movement from a customer via a Facebook message.
“It fits who we are,” he said. “We are here to take care of anybody who walks in our
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
store … (sexual orientation) is not important. I don’t care. It has absolutely no importance, as far as we are concerned. It’s not my business. It doesn’t define the individual in any way, shape or form.”
Robert Goodman Jewelers has the Open for Service logo as its profile picture on both Twitter and Facebook, and has the actual physical sticker affixed prominently to its front door.
Goodman, who has been in the jewelry industry for 41 years, said the thought of the sticker offending potential customers never even crossed his mind. He said if they don’t like his views--if they, for example, came in and were put off when they saw him helping a same-sex couple--then so be it. He doesn’t want to help them anyway.
“This is a decision of right and wrong,” Goodman said emphatically. “This isn’t a business decision.”
In nearby Greenwood, Ind., Bob McGee, owner of McGee Jewelers and a past president of the Indiana Jewelers Association, also put up an Open for Service sticker on his store’s door. He said he heard about the movement from one of his employees, who is a member of the LGBT community.
“There was a time 40 years ago when I may have been slightly homophobic,” the 64-year-old jeweler admits.
But as he grew older and learned more about the world around him, and as many friends came out over the years, McGee changed his view.
Today, he said his store has gained a reputation among same-sex couples as the place to go for jewelry, though McGee is quick to point out that that is not the reason he put up the Open for Service sticker. “Our customer base pretty well knows us,” he said.
Like Goodman, he said he just believed it was the right thing to do.
While politicians tend to ignore barbs from the opposing party and criticism in the media, the potential loss of business certainly is one thing that gets their attention, and quickly.
The New York Times reported Monday that lawmakers in Indiana already have said they plan to amend the law to make it clear it does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.
McGee said if a change in wording is what is needed to satisfy everyone, then the legislature should do it. Whatever the outcome, however, he said he doesn’t think there’ll be any business owners in Indiana refusing to wait on or serve customers.
“A lot of the business owners feel like this is much ado about nothing,” he said. “I don’t know of a single merchant who even whispers in their sleep about turning anyone away who has money to spend. I love anybody who will spend money.”
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
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.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
