Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
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
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
