Events & Awards

JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024

JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
The JCK Industry Fund Committee has announced the recipients of its annual grants, totaling $341,000.
Norwalk, Conn.—The JCK Industry Fund Committee has announced the recipients of its 2024 grants.

The committee awarded a total of $341,000, a slight increase from the year prior, which will be doled out to nine organizations.

Winners received their awards in the first quarter of 2024 to advance specific projects and initiatives in key areas, the committee said.

The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) will receive funds to continue its emerging designer participation in the JCK Las Vegas shows for 2024 and 2025. The BIJC Collective designers launched at JCK in 2022 and, thanks to a previous grant, showcased again in 2023.

Diamonds Do Good (DDG) will use its grant for consumer-confidence broadcast campaigns and targeted media distribution to drive consumers to buy diamonds.

Gem Legacy will put part of its grant toward its goal of increasing inclusiveness and diversity of socio-economic levels, tribes, places of origin, and family employment in higher education. 

The grant will also help the nonprofit provide for the needs of artisanal, small-scale, colored gemstone miners and equip miners with essential tools for self-protection. It will offer college scholarships for children of mining communities as well. 

Gem Legacy also plans to send gemologists to artisanal mining regions to provide gemstone education. 

The Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) was granted for their advance software and technology, JCK said.

The i2 Analyst's Notebook is software for data analysis, used to reveal relationships between data entities to discover patterns and provide insight into data.

LexisNexis Accurint for Law Enforcement is an investigative technology the provides instant access to a comprehensive database of public records.

TLOxp is a database used by private investigators and law enforcement that contains personal information such as physical addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and relatives’ contact details.

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) will use the grant to fund the development and launch of an ADA Compliance Guide for industry members, as well as guides on compliance for physical locations. Both will be included in an online guide and training materials.

Mercury Free Mining will use the funds to continue scaling its GOLDROP technology, a part of its mission to develop a responsible gold supply chain.

The technology, patented in 2018, uses the elutriation process to separate gold, including all heavy elements and minerals, from mineral concentrate and tailings. It is designed to eliminate the need to use mercury in artisanal gold mining.

MJSA will use its award within its MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program, which helps with the bench jeweler shortage. 

The grant will help MJSA develop 150 hours of educational training and information for the industry, as well as trade schools and community colleges, to supplement existing jewelry programs and to be used in the development of new ones.

Pure Earth is a first-time recipient of the fund. It will put the money toward their workshop that raises awareness about the harmful effects of mercury. 

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) will use its JCK grant to support its Generating Community Impact Breakfast event at JCK, which will be held Friday, May 31 at 8 a.m. at The Venetian.  

The session will focus on increasing access to the industry through diversity, equity, and inclusion, specifically as it relates to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, WJA said. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

"In our ongoing commitment to the industry, spanning the past 25 years, we are continuing to champion the pivotal endeavors of the organizations that are advancing our industry's interests. From consumer confidence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to spearheading sustainability initiatives and beyond, the JCK Industry Fund remains steadfast in its support,” said Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of RX Jewelry Portfolio and chair of the JCK Industry Fund Committee.

“We want to express our gratitude to the JCK community whose contributions have propelled the Fund's growth and commend the 2024 grant recipients.”

Recipients are selected due to their “synergy with the core goals of the fund,” JCK said.

The grants are funded primarily by JCK with additional support from the industry through donations collected year-round from JCK exhibitors and attendees. 

The JCK Industry Fund was founded in 1997 and has since awarded over $7 million toward program grants.

Its mission is to support the jewelry industry by providing grant funding to organizations driving improvement in the industry.

The committee of industry leaders that selected this year’s winners is comprised of Bachmann; Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jewelry; John Green, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green; Michael Lerche, president of Goldstar Jewellery LLC; Eddie LeVian, CEO of Le Vian; and Roger Forman, president of Marathon Company.

For more information and to donate, click here.  


The Latest

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals

A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.

Grader looking into microscope at IGI lab
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next Week

In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Stephanie Gottlieb, Anna Harman, Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs Collection
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to Studs

The 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.

Weekly QuizDec 05, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Exterior of Sauer’s Madison Avenue Store
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. Store

The Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.

Person at keyboard holding credit card
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says Adobe

An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

Ray Griffiths and Ray Griffiths: The Works
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design

“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.

Grant Mobley and Thomas Davis
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.

Movado campaign
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ Environment

The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.

Treiber & Straub store Brookfield, Wisconsin
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is Closing

Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious Mousse

The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.

Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s Kokoro Ant Pendant
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ Pendant

The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.

Roberto Coin jewelry
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1

The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.

Gold rings
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech Issues

The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in November

A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.

1.png
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Gwen Beloti, Lisa Bridge, Eddie Plein, Anna Samsonova
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards Winners

At the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.

For Future Reference Vintage turquoise necklace
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month

Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.

People outside holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF

A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.

Stock photo of diamonds
Lab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

The FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.

Grandview Klein Diamond Group Staff
SourcingDec 04, 2024
Designer Saul Fraiman Retires After 55 Years

The fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.

30.101-carat very light pink diamond
AuctionsDec 04, 2024
30-Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $2.6M at Bonhams

The Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.

John Willard Craiger mugshot
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida Jeweler

John Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsDec 03, 2024
Peter Smith: How a Leadership Hire Can Make or Break a Company

In his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.

×

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