Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsEvents & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025
The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.
Those interested in applying for the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program can submit their applications now through Nov. 22.
New York—Jewelers of America and the Black in Jewelry Coalition are now accepting applications for the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program (EJAP).
The joint program, which began last year, features a series of interactive workshops led by subject matter experts (SMEs) designed to provide new retail jewelry entrepreneurs with guidance on how to build and maintain a successful business in the jewelry industry.
The eight-month program will begin in early 2025 with a cohort of six selected entrepreneurs.
Workshop topics include business strategy and artificial intelligence; product development and jewelry forensics; accounting; marketing and sales; social media; legal issues; lab-grown diamonds; insurance and security; and ethical sourcing and manufacturing.
When the program is complete, the participants will give a presentation on how they will utilize what they have learned in their businesses.
One of the participants will receive a $10,000 grant while the others will be awarded $4,000 each.
After the program, the participants will receive periodic check-in calls, access to quarterly workshops, and invitations to industry events.
“The inaugural Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program was a huge success. The program’s cohort and our SMEs were fully engaged throughout the program, making a positive learning environment to generate real business impact,” said Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte.
Related stories will be right here …
The joint program, which began last year, features a series of interactive workshops led by subject matter experts (SMEs) designed to provide new retail jewelry entrepreneurs with guidance on how to build and maintain a successful business in the jewelry industry.
The eight-month program will begin in early 2025 with a cohort of six selected entrepreneurs.
Workshop topics include business strategy and artificial intelligence; product development and jewelry forensics; accounting; marketing and sales; social media; legal issues; lab-grown diamonds; insurance and security; and ethical sourcing and manufacturing.
When the program is complete, the participants will give a presentation on how they will utilize what they have learned in their businesses.
One of the participants will receive a $10,000 grant while the others will be awarded $4,000 each.
After the program, the participants will receive periodic check-in calls, access to quarterly workshops, and invitations to industry events.
“The inaugural Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program was a huge success. The program’s cohort and our SMEs were fully engaged throughout the program, making a positive learning environment to generate real business impact,” said Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte.
Applicants must be a Jewelers of America member who is 18 years or older and resides in the United States.
They must have been in business for a minimum of two to five years, and that business must sell directly to consumers.
The participants’ time commitment is one to five hours per month over the eight-month period.
The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 22. For more information or to apply online, visit the JA website.
SMEs looking to teach a workshop can also apply online.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
