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
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
