Policies & IssuesSep 30, 2024
JA Fly-In to DC Focuses on Russian Diamonds, Retail CrimePolicies & IssuesOct 03, 2024
RJO, CERF+ Join Those Offering Hurricane Helene Relief to Affected Jewelers
Plus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.
A satellite image captured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showing Hurricane Helene moving into the Gulf of Mexico in the afternoon of Sept. 25
Editor's Note: This story was updated post-publication to include the addition of another resource, Treats Studios, which is working on a database of artists who need help.
New York—On Sept. 26, Category 4 storm Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida’s northwest coast.
In the following days, the storm traveled across the Southeast, causing widespread devastation in nearby states including Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Virginia.
More than 130 deaths have been reported and as many as 600 people are still unaccounted for.
Some members of private Facebook jeweler community “Jewelers Helping Jewelers” posted about having been in the storm’s path, reporting disheartening store conditions.
Two jewelers on the coast of the Tampa, Florida area said their stores sustained damage from flooding, and one noted 4 to 5 feet of water.
A number of government organizations, nonprofits, and aid groups are working to bring relief to Asheville, North Carolina, an inland mountain town in western North Carolina that is experiencing unprecedented flooding and damage related to the storm.
Liz Kantner, the industry consultant behind Stay Gold Collective, the self-described jewelry community for marketing know-how, is based in Asheville and is working on a database of artists in the area who were affected.
She is sharing resources via her Instagram profile, such as BeLoved Asheville, Treats Studios, and the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+).
CERF+, a public charity organization, states that it provides craft artists with support and resources for disaster and emergency relief, and it also offers education programs and readiness grants to strengthen preparedness.
Its $3,000 Emergency Relief Grant is available for craft artists who experienced “a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.”
The application, as well as eligibility details, can be found here.
Those who wish to donate to the emergency fund can do so here.
Related stories will be right here …
New York—On Sept. 26, Category 4 storm Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida’s northwest coast.
In the following days, the storm traveled across the Southeast, causing widespread devastation in nearby states including Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Virginia.
More than 130 deaths have been reported and as many as 600 people are still unaccounted for.
Some members of private Facebook jeweler community “Jewelers Helping Jewelers” posted about having been in the storm’s path, reporting disheartening store conditions.
Two jewelers on the coast of the Tampa, Florida area said their stores sustained damage from flooding, and one noted 4 to 5 feet of water.
A number of government organizations, nonprofits, and aid groups are working to bring relief to Asheville, North Carolina, an inland mountain town in western North Carolina that is experiencing unprecedented flooding and damage related to the storm.
Liz Kantner, the industry consultant behind Stay Gold Collective, the self-described jewelry community for marketing know-how, is based in Asheville and is working on a database of artists in the area who were affected.
She is sharing resources via her Instagram profile, such as BeLoved Asheville, Treats Studios, and the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+).
CERF+, a public charity organization, states that it provides craft artists with support and resources for disaster and emergency relief, and it also offers education programs and readiness grants to strengthen preparedness.
Its $3,000 Emergency Relief Grant is available for craft artists who experienced “a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.”
The application, as well as eligibility details, can be found here.
Those who wish to donate to the emergency fund can do so here.
The philanthropic arm of the Retail Jewelers Organization, the RJO Foundation, has a new Disaster Relief Fund, which it launched Sept. 19.
“Our hope is to aid as many as financially possible to support the recovery of our members,” said Sarah Streb, executive director of the RJO Foundation.
The fund is designed to provide immediate financial support in amounts between $500 and $1,000 to RJO members, their employees, and their families who are recovering from and facing losses due to the devastation from natural disasters.
Any RJO member affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for funding here.
The Disaster Fund Committee will review applications and send relief payment promptly upon their approval.
The fund is supported through donations from RJO members, vendors, and industry partners, and the organization encourages members of the retail jewelry industry, as well as supporters, to contribute to it.
To donate to the RJO Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, click here and include Disaster Relief Fund in the In Memoriam line, or mail a check to RJO Foundation, ATTN: Disaster Relief Fund, Box 1045 in Newton, Iowa 50208.
Though Hurricane Helene has passed, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecasted above-normal hurricane activity this year.
Earlier this year, Jewelers Mutual Group shared advice on what to do before, during, and after a storm.
In addition to industry-focused relief initiatives, donations are also being accepted by state-run disaster relief and recovery funds like The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and The Florida Disaster Fund, and by national organizations including The Salvation Army and The American Red Cross.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
