Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry
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Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry
For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
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In the early 20th century, a visionary group of jewelers came together to establish an organization dedicated to advancing the professionalism and ethics of the jewelry industry and thereby ensuring consumer confidence. That association, now known as Jewelers of America (JA), knew the power of uplifting jewelry standards and giving jewelers across the nation a louder and collective voice. More than a century later, Jewelers of America is unwavering in its commitment to its founding mission.
“Jewelers of America is a membership organization. While we have been deeply rooted in advocacy work on behalf of the industry, it is our members’ needs that drive our core values,” says Jewelers of America President & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
As a membership organization, Jewelers of America serves all areas of the jewelry industry, from small, independent jewelry designers to large brands, single-store to multi-store retailers and any business that serves the jewelry industry. Serving a broad membership base pushes Jewelers of America to constantly evolve its membership benefits to provide valuable tools that help jewelers be more profitable, professional, and visible.
The Voice of the Industry
Jewelers of America has been a steadfast voice of jewelers. The more members JA serves, the bigger the voice JA has to bring change and better protect the jewelry industry.
Jewelers of America has been a formidable advocate on Capitol Hill, championing the interests of jewelers and fighting against legislation detrimental to the industry. From battling luxury taxes in the early 1990s to addressing modern challenges like estate taxes and retail crime, JA’s advocacy efforts have been pivotal. Their work extends beyond opposition; JA has also supported beneficial measures such as sales tax fairness, illustrating their balanced approach to policy influence.
Central to this advocacy is the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC). JAPAC serves as a critical tool in navigating the political landscape, enabling JA members to contribute to and participate in the political process.
Jewelers of America hosts its annual fly-in to Washington, D.C. Since its inception in 2011, this event has been a cornerstone of JA’s advocacy strategy. Jewelers from across the country converge on Capitol Hill to engage directly with lawmakers and their staff. These meetings are crucial for sharing firsthand experiences and concerns related to issues like rising crime rates, unfair taxation, and regulatory burdens.
Representation and Resources
Jewelers of America is an authoritative voice for the fine jewelry industry and through expert legislative counsel and a network of industry insiders, JA stays ahead of emerging issues and provides timely updates to its members through member alerts, updated business guidance documents, legislative reports, and more.
The resources Jewelers of America provides are invaluable. From marketing promotions and business services to educational webinars and certification programs, JA equips its members with tools to enhance their operations and profitability. For instance, JA’s partnership with FedEx offers significant discounts on shipping services, while Synchrony’s consumer financing program provides exclusive rates that boost jewelry sales. Additionally, JA’s Professional Certification Program helps jewelers advance their careers and differentiate their stores through recognized credentials.
Providing Valuable Exposure
Jewelers of America regularly appears on television shows across the country showcasing jewelry and educating consumers on what to look for and where to shop. By serving as a media resource and credible voice for the jewelry industry, JA provides valuable opportunities for jewelry to be showcased directly in front of consumers and works to keep jewelry at the forefront during all major gift-giving occasions. Additionally, JA targets consumers through their “Find a Jeweler” directory, online jewelry galleries, email marketing, and social media channels.
Fostering Professional Excellence
Jewelers of America is committed to professional excellence, evident in the association’s various recognition programs.
GEM Awards is the jewelry industry’s premier accolade gala that recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches. Each year, GEM Awards are presented in front a sold-out crowd of industry, media and celebrities. The nominees and GEM Award honorees all have unmatched commitment excellence.
The JA 100 Club was created to celebrate the strength of members who have continually served their customers for 100 years. The CASE Awards celebrate outstanding jewelry design, highlighting pieces that exemplify creativity, artistry, skill, and excellence. Similarly, the 20 Under 40 program recognizes emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the jewelry industry.
These initiatives not only honor individual and corporate achievements but also contribute to building consumer confidence. By distinguishing JA members through these awards and recognitions, JA helps elevate their reputation and attract discerning customers.
Professional Certification
Jewelers of America also provides opportunities for Professional Certification that can differentiate a store and enhance reputation with fine jewelry customers by increasing credibility. The certification exam for jewelry professionals validates jewelry knowledge and proficiency to national standards. There are Certifications available in the areas of Sales, Management and Bench.
Educational Outreach and Networking
Education is a cornerstone of JA’s mission. Jewelers of America hosts a variety of Multifaceted Learning Workshops throughout the year. These regional workshops cover a range of topics from consumer trends to sales strategies and foster a network of well-informed jewelry professionals who support each other.
JA also offers a range of educational resources, including a robust webinar series produced in partnership with National Jeweler. These webinars cover critical industry topics and provide members with access to expert insights and practical advice.
A Forward-Looking Vision
“At Jewelers of America, our influence and impact on the jewelry industry is rooted in our ability to evolve as the industry faces new challenges, from regulatory changes, market shifts, and evolving consumer expectations. Through it all, JA remains committed to supporting our members and the industry,” says Bonaparte.
In 2024, Jewelers of America partnered with the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) to launch the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program (EJAP), a series of interactive workshops to provide new retail jewelry entrepreneurs with a deeper understanding of how to build and maintain a successful business in the jewelry industry.
JA’s Guide to Careers in the Jewelry Industry has been redeveloped, in partnership with GIA and supported by the JCK Industry Fund, to foster growth of the jewelry industry and help bring talented professions to jewelry businesses.
The organization’s dedication to advancing the jewelry industry’s standards and practices is a testament to its enduring legacy and forward-looking vision. For over a century, Jewelers of America has been a beacon for jewelers, advocating for their interests, representing their needs, and providing the resources necessary for their success.
As JA continues to navigate the complex landscape of the jewelry industry, its members can be assured that their voices are being heard, their challenges are being addressed, and their contributions are being celebrated. Jewelers of America stands as a steadfast ally, championing the values and interests of the jewelry industry with unwavering dedication.
Jewelers of America acquired National Jeweler as a for-profit subsidiary in 2015. The two organizations work closely together while National Jeweler maintains its own editorial independence.
