Crime at Top of Agenda During JA’s Annual D.C. Visit
Association members met with lawmakers last month to discuss the record-level rates.

“Crime against jewelry businesses and customers has skyrocketed,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte. “We wanted to ensure lawmakers understand how this issue threatens jewelers’ security and livelihoods.”
Members shared personal experiences, along with data from the Jewelers Security Alliance and Jewelers Mutual, to indicate the sharp increases in crime, as rates saw some of the biggest spikes in jewelry-related crime ever reported, JA said.
The delegation met with members of Congress who were already pushing for stronger measures to fight rising crime, including Rep. Young Kim, (R, CA-40) who is a sponsor of the bipartisan bill introduced earlier this year, “Improving the Federal Response to Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023.”
Kim, along with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21), joined the group for lunch.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R, CA-48), who has also advocated for stronger legislation to fight crime, was the guest at dinner on Wednesday night.
Other prominent members of Congress JA members connected with included:
Rep. Pete Sessions (R, TX-17)
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D, WA-08)
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10)
Rep. Claudia Tenney (R, NY-24)
Rep. Kevin Kiley (R, CA-03)
Rep. Carol Miller (R, WV-01)
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R, IA-01)
Rep. Andy Barr (R, KY-06)
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R, OR-05)
Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R, TX-24)
Rep. Ken Calvert (R, CA-41)
Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R, FL-25)
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R, TX-13)
The trip was led by Jewelers of America’s Political Action Committee, the only PAC representing the fine jewelry industry.
Bonaparte and JA Director of Marketing and Communications Molly Fallon, alongside Tim Haake, Managing Director of Haake & Associates, JA’s government affairs firm, led the group.
American Gem Trade Association CEO John W. Ford was in also in attendance for the second year in a row.
JA members attending the fly-in represented jewelers nationally, including:
Brian Alter, Alter’s Gem Jewelry, Beaumont, TX
Lawrence and Katy Bock, Bachendorf's; Dallas, TX
Jon Bridge, Ben Bridge Jeweler; Seattle, WA
Trish Carruth, Your Personal Jeweler; Royal Oak, MI
Bill Farmer Jr., Farmer’s Jewelers; Lexington, KY
Myriam Gumuchian, Gumuchian; New York, NY
Joseph Molfese, Bella Cosa Jewelers; Willowbrook, IL (JAPAC Chair)
Isreal Morales, Sky Diamond Jewelers; New Windsor, NY
Constance Polamalu, Zachary's Jewelers; Annapolis, MD
Tobey Ritchie, Harry Ritchie's; Eugene, OR
Oliver Stip, CD Peacock; Oak Brook, IL

In addition to emphasizing the need for action to fight jewelry-related crime, the delegation also drew attention to other issues, including credit card reform.
The lack of competition, which is leading to the rise in credit card swipe fees year after year, costs American businesses and consumers an estimated $15 billion per year, JA said.
The group also discussed the need for pro-growth tax policy that makes U.S. companies “competitive in the global economy and provides a level playing field among all sectors of the economy and all sectors of retail.”
Lastly, the delegation emphasized the importance of protecting the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory accounting method, which JA said is considered by lawmakers to be an “attractive revenue-raising option” and that a repeal would deal a “potentially fatal blow” to companies in the jewelry industry using the LIFO method.
The day before the fly-in, JA hosted a D.C.-Member Meet-up that included a tour of the Library of Congress and a cocktail party.
The event featured President and CEO of The Tarrance Group and renowned political pollster Ed Goeas, who shared insights from “A Question of Respect: Bringing Us Together in a Deeply Divided Nation,” his book co-authored by political strategist for the Democratic Party Celinda Lake.
To learn more about Jewelers of America’s legislative advocacy and JAPAC, visit JA’s website.
The Latest

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.