Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award RecipientsEvents & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant Recipients
Here’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.
The JCK Industry Fund Committee has announced the recipients of its annual grants, totaling $340,000.
Norwalk, Conn.—The JCK Industry Fund Committee has announced the recipients of its annual grants.
The $340,000 in funds will be shared with the following nine organizations.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition has received a grant to help increase diversity in the jewelry industry, provide funds for emerging Black designers, and fund travel for BIJC board members to attend events and trade shows.
Diamonds Do Good will use its funds to bolster consumer confidence through paid social media content and partner-sponsored posts that highlight diamonds’ positive impact on local communities.
Gem Legacy aims to create diverse and inclusive opportunities for children of small-scale artisanal colored gem mining communities. Its grant will go toward building another classroom at the Kitarini Primary School in Tanzania a school attended by local miners’ children, and provide desks, chairs, and electricity.
Jewelers of America, in partnership with BIJC, is planning to launch a new initiative to support diverse business owners in the jewelry industry.
The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will provide these entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to launch or grow their businesses, including a support network.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will put its grant toward the digital edition of its “Manual of Jewelry Security,” making the guide available to more people while also offering a sustainable choice compared to the printed version. The group also will create a training video on loss prevention.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee will use its grant to promote transparency and sustainability in the jewelry industry. The organization is currently working on suggesting revisions to the Federal Trade Commission’s “Green Guides.”
The grant also will help JVC update its consumer-facing “Buying Gemstones and Jewels with Confidence” guide.
MJSA will put its grant toward creating a “Why I Make Jewelry” promotional campaign, hoping to reach aspiring bench jewelers.
The campaign is geared toward students and professionals looking for a career change, and particularly those who are underrepresented in the industry.
“By offering new jewelry career paths to those who may have been unaware of them previously, the campaign—part of the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program—hopes to build a pool of prospective jewelers that will help the industry to advance and thrive,” said JCK.
Mercury Free Mining’s grant will further its goal of ending the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The funds also will help to advance its research and testing program.
The Women’s Jewelry Association will put its portion of the funds toward raising awareness around disability inclusion in the watch and jewelry industries.
It also will help fund its second annual “Generating Community Impact in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Breakfast” event, held during JCK Las Vegas.
The keynote presentation will cover a variety of topics, including designing, selling, and marketing jewelry and timepieces for people with disabilities; the business opportunities surrounding adaptive jewelry; best practices for hiring people with disabilities; and advice for shaping a business’ DE&I strategy.
Related stories will be right here …
The $340,000 in funds will be shared with the following nine organizations.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition has received a grant to help increase diversity in the jewelry industry, provide funds for emerging Black designers, and fund travel for BIJC board members to attend events and trade shows.
Diamonds Do Good will use its funds to bolster consumer confidence through paid social media content and partner-sponsored posts that highlight diamonds’ positive impact on local communities.
Gem Legacy aims to create diverse and inclusive opportunities for children of small-scale artisanal colored gem mining communities. Its grant will go toward building another classroom at the Kitarini Primary School in Tanzania a school attended by local miners’ children, and provide desks, chairs, and electricity.
Jewelers of America, in partnership with BIJC, is planning to launch a new initiative to support diverse business owners in the jewelry industry.
The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will provide these entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to launch or grow their businesses, including a support network.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will put its grant toward the digital edition of its “Manual of Jewelry Security,” making the guide available to more people while also offering a sustainable choice compared to the printed version. The group also will create a training video on loss prevention.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee will use its grant to promote transparency and sustainability in the jewelry industry. The organization is currently working on suggesting revisions to the Federal Trade Commission’s “Green Guides.”
The grant also will help JVC update its consumer-facing “Buying Gemstones and Jewels with Confidence” guide.
MJSA will put its grant toward creating a “Why I Make Jewelry” promotional campaign, hoping to reach aspiring bench jewelers.
The campaign is geared toward students and professionals looking for a career change, and particularly those who are underrepresented in the industry.
“By offering new jewelry career paths to those who may have been unaware of them previously, the campaign—part of the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program—hopes to build a pool of prospective jewelers that will help the industry to advance and thrive,” said JCK.
Mercury Free Mining’s grant will further its goal of ending the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The funds also will help to advance its research and testing program.
The Women’s Jewelry Association will put its portion of the funds toward raising awareness around disability inclusion in the watch and jewelry industries.
It also will help fund its second annual “Generating Community Impact in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Breakfast” event, held during JCK Las Vegas.
The keynote presentation will cover a variety of topics, including designing, selling, and marketing jewelry and timepieces for people with disabilities; the business opportunities surrounding adaptive jewelry; best practices for hiring people with disabilities; and advice for shaping a business’ DE&I strategy.
“For over 25 years, we have proudly supported the initiatives and important missions of esteemed organizations whose work benefits our industry, addressing commerce, development, diversity, equity and inclusions, sustainability, and more,” said Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of RX Jewelry Group and JCK Industry Fund committee chair.
The grants are funded mainly by JCK, but also by additional industry support via donations.
“We are deeply grateful to the JCK community that contributed to the fund to grow the $250,000 JCK donates into a larger sum once again this year and congratulate the well-deserved 2023 grant recipients.”
Since its founding in 1997, the fund has awarded more than $7 million toward program grants.
Its mission is to support the jewelry industry by awarding grants to organizations that can significantly improve the industry.
The committee that chose the winners was comprised of a number of industry leaders, including Bachmann; 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.
For more information or to donate, visit the JCK website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
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.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
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.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
