Policies & Issues

How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

Brought to you by

How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.

Brought To You By Jewelers of America


For more than three decades, Jewelers of America has been advocating on behalf of the jewelry industry in Washington, D.C. We’ve played a key role in fighting against legislation that hurts jewelry businesses – from luxury taxes in the early 90s to estate taxes and everything in between. We’ve also been a strong proponent of measures that help jewelers, like sales tax fairness and most recently, legislation that targets retail crime. 

As an organization, we rely on the support of Jewelers of America members to ensure these efforts are successful. Quite simply, without the voices of jewelers and the day-to-day stories they can share behind the messaging and talking points, our outreach would fall on deaf ears. That’s why we’ve developed advocacy plans and tools that capitalize on the collective power jewelry businesses have when they work together for a common outcome.

flyin image1 800w.jpg

The Power of JAPAC
A key aspect of Jewelers of America’s advocacy efforts is JAPAC, Jewelers of America’s Political Action Committee, which allows employees from JA member companies to contribute and participate in the political process, to push for better policies that help businesses. 

JAPAC supports the campaigns of candidates who support jewelers’ interests on Capitol Hill and are pro-growth and pro-business — incumbents and newcomers — for the United States Senate and House of Representatives. It serves as a critical advocacy tool, creating opportunities for building relationships and engaging directly with these candidates both before and after they have been elected. 

Making Jewelers Part of the Conversation
Back in 2011, Jewelers of America conducted its first fly-in to Washington, D.C. Except for a short break during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we’ve brought JA members to Capitol Hill every year since. The visits, led by JAPAC are all about putting businesses and people at the forefront of the issues that matter to the jewelry industry. The event is the cornerstone of our advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, where we meet with numerous lawmakers and their staff, sharing the industry’s stories and concerns – whether it be rising crime, the impact of unfair taxes or regulations on business, or emphasizing the important contributions our businesses make to communities across the country.  

Seeing and hearing directly from their constituents can help make a difference when it comes to policy decisions, especially during these divisive times. This September we’ll be returning to D.C. once more and hope to have our biggest event yet, including a Multifaceted Learning Workshop to be held ahead of our meetings with lawmakers.

Having influence is more important than ever, with pressure on industries—jewelry included—coming from all angles: government, non-governmental organizations and customers (both consumers of jewelry products and supply chain partners). As an industry we must engage in the conversations taking place before a given law or regulation is put in effect.

flyin image2 800w.jpg

Focusing on the Jewelry Industry
Jewelers of America works with larger organizations like the National Retail Federation on key topics that impact all of retail, but when it comes to those issues that are specific to jewelry – such as regulations around sourcing of materials found in jewelry – we need those with expertise in jewelry to share their stories and experiences.

Keeping Members Informed and Ready to Act
Another key element of JA’s work in D.C. is monitoring legislation and regulations through Haake & Associates, JA’s expert legislative counsel in D.C. They work with JA leadership and the JAPAC Board of Directors to ensure we stay ahead of the curve on the issues that impact the industry. JA takes that information and regularly shares it with members through Legislative Updates and when needed, Action Alerts.

For more information on Jewelers of America legislative advocacy and JAPAC, visit the Legislative Agenda section of Jewelers.org. Or, contact Susan Posnock, JA’s Director of Public Affairs & Education at sposnock@jewelers.org.

 

The Latest

Set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+

A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.

Journey of a Jeweler by Silvia Furmanovich
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

1978 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 Tiffany Dial
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’

The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Jewelers Mutual Group logo
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.

Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Shot of one of the pools at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in Carlsbad

At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.

Crime police cars
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop Shootout

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Chopard Ice Cube Modular Necklace
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule Collection

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

Natural Diamond Council Retailer Accreditation Program seal
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation Program

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program. 

Kristen Bell, Angela Bassett, Lisa Manobal
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy Awards

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

Holiday presents in gift boxes
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says Deloitte

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Buffalo Emerald
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald Auction

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

8.33-carat emerald-cut no-oil Brazilian emerald, A. Kleiman & Co.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Rough montana sapphire
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, Montana

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Arunashi Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Susan Jacques and Al Gilbertson
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

Tabayer’s Nordstrom Shop-in-Shop
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-Shop

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

De Beers education app on mobile phone
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for That

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Gold jewelry on a scale
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to Account

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob and Co Loewe headphones
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. Headphones

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Tiffany & Co Favrile Beetle Necklace in Frankenstein
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo American’s Quellaveco copper mine in Peru
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The Mellon Blue diamond
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

Dianne Batista Phillips Auctions
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New York

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy