Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative
The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

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.
The Latest

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.


The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.