ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for Emergencies
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
Brought To You By Jewelers of America
Today’s business know all too well that disaster can strike anytime and anywhere. That is why Jewelers of America advises members to have emergency and crisis policies in place that will help protect your business, staff, and customers.
Jewelers of America’s Guide to Best Practices includes tips to help businesses prepare for unforeseen events, whether natural (such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes), health-related (wide-spread illnesses), human-caused (accidents or acts of violence) or technology related (power or equipment failure).
While nobody has a crystal ball to predict every disaster ahead of time, there are effective steps your business can take to reduce risks.
Consider Your Risks
Look at where you are located and the type of weather events that are most common. For instance, if you are in a region that is more coastal or prone to flooding, you will want to have flood insurance. Questions you should consider when assessing risk include:
- Can I operate my business if I am unable to physically access it?
- Have you identified/prioritized what operations are most essential to recovery in the event of a disaster?
- Have you assigned an emergency coordinator or lead among your management/staff to do things like handle evacuations or emergency communications?
Communications are Key
A cornerstone of emergency preparedness is having a robust internal and external communications plan in place. This can include protocols and tools for contacting your employees, community, and business partners on vital details during an emergency. Be prepared to be able to communicate with all stakeholders from outside of the store/office.
- Texting employees directly with important updates
- Updating your community through email, your website, and social media channels on things like store hours, appointment options
- Share health and safety measures your business has in place both online and in store
Take Advantage of Local and Government Resources
Utilize resources in your community, such as your local police and fire departments. Visit Ready.gov for detailed information and ideas on developing readiness plans for both business and personal use. Also look to your associations, like Jewelers of America, which provide resources and aid in times of need.
While you cannot know everything that can happen ahead of time, having a plan in place can be the difference between a chaotic and slow response; versus an orderly and safe one.
Join Jewelers of America today to access the member-exclusive industry guidance, "Guide to Best Practices" — which covers everything from current risks, diamonds, colored gemstones, business regulations, policy statements and more.
While you cannot know everything that can happen ahead of time, having a plan in place can be the difference between a chaotic and slow response; versus an orderly and safe one.
Join Jewelers of America today to access the member-exclusive industry guidance, "Guide to Best Practices" — which covers everything from current risks, diamonds, colored gemstones, business regulations, policy statements and more.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
