MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative
The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
Jewelers of America has launched its new Impact Initiative, a fund for industry nonprofits, companies that provide jewelry-related programming, and trade associations in the United States. Applications for Impact Initiative funding are being accepted now through April 29.
New York—On Tuesday, Jewelers of America announced the launch of its new Impact Initiative, a fund for U.S. companies, nonprofits, and trade associations in the jewelry sector.
JA said the aim of the initiative, which is similar to the JCK Industry Fund, is to support a range of projects, from those enhancing ethical practices and environmental responsibility to those advancing innovation and education of jewelry professionals.
Those wishing to apply for Impact Initiative funding can do so now through April 29 via JA’s website.
JA said funds will be awarded to organizations or companies based on programs, potential reach, and need.
Eligible companies include nonprofit organizations with a “clear mission for jewelry industry advancement,” companies offering jewelry-related programming, and trade associations focused on the U.S. jewelry sector.
The Impact Initiative is set up like an endowment fund, and JA will be giving an initial $100,000 this year.
“We are grateful to our board of directors, who believe in our ability to make a difference for our members and for the industry at large,” Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte said.
“By creating programming that will educate and inspire future jewelers as well as helping to fund programs by other organizations, we can build a brighter future.”
Related stories will be right here …
JA said the aim of the initiative, which is similar to the JCK Industry Fund, is to support a range of projects, from those enhancing ethical practices and environmental responsibility to those advancing innovation and education of jewelry professionals.
Those wishing to apply for Impact Initiative funding can do so now through April 29 via JA’s website.
JA said funds will be awarded to organizations or companies based on programs, potential reach, and need.
Eligible companies include nonprofit organizations with a “clear mission for jewelry industry advancement,” companies offering jewelry-related programming, and trade associations focused on the U.S. jewelry sector.
The Impact Initiative is set up like an endowment fund, and JA will be giving an initial $100,000 this year.
“We are grateful to our board of directors, who believe in our ability to make a difference for our members and for the industry at large,” Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte said.
“By creating programming that will educate and inspire future jewelers as well as helping to fund programs by other organizations, we can build a brighter future.”
The JA Impact Initiative is part of the association’s new three-year strategic plan, unveiled earlier this month.
The plan prioritizes JA serving its community of members, advancing education, and amplifying advocacy in the industry.
JA Board Chair Coleman Clark said the goal is to grow the Impact Initiative over time.
“The strategic plan has given us a very clear focus and we know that we want part of that focus to be on providing and supporting programs that are aligned with our values and bring positive impact to our industry,” he said.
For more information on the Impact Initiative, visit JA’s website, or contact JA Member Services at 800-223-0673 or members@jewelers.org.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
