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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
