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
IndependentsOct 16, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Jeffrey Zimmer Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.
AuctionsOct 16, 2025
Sotheby’s Introduces Custom Jewelry ServiceThe new high jewelry design and production process takes 30 days or less from concept to completion, the auction house said.
MajorsOct 16, 2025
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Catalog Is Out, and It’s SpectacularThe holiday catalog for 2025 features never-before-seen images of more than 100 one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsOct 16, 2025
Foundrae Adds To ‘United in Love’ CollectionThe brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsOct 15, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Kathy CoreyCorey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.
CrimeOct 15, 2025
Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for 2023 Murder of Colorado JewelerCharles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MADThe Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
JCK, Luxury to Debut New Watch Section in Vegas Next YearTimepieces at Luxury will take place at The Venetian and, like Luxury, will be invitation-only for the first two days.
AuctionsOct 15, 2025
Christie's Announces New Jewelry Department LeadershipThe auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Tom DixonAs chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2025
Here Are the Winners of the BIJC, JA ‘Emerging Jewelers’ Grant Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher received a $10,000 grant for their business, Shimmer Culture LLC.
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Day’s Jewelers Crafts Custom Jewelry for No.1 NBA Draft Pick Cooper FlaggThe parents of the Dallas Mavericks rookie bought their engagement ring at a Day’s store in Bangor, Maine, in 1997.
SourcingOct 14, 2025
Pragnell Debuts Kitulo Garnet Jewelry The UK-based brand sourced the gemstones, which are fully traceable, from an artisanal mining community in Tanzania.
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent CalendarsThe trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.
MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of SalesJewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s CollectionThe line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11MThe rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
