MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
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
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
