MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideMajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America
The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Jewelers of America and Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America have signed an agreement that will bring MJSA under the JA umbrella. Both organizations are over 100 years old; JA was founded in 1906, and MJSA was incorporated in 1903.
New York—Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America are slated to sign an affiliation agreement that will bring MJSA under the JA umbrella, the organizations announced Tuesday.
The boards of both organizations have agreed to the affiliation and the MJSA membership approved it in a vote that took place April 18.
All that remains now is for JA to complete a standard due diligence process, with the agreement expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
In a letter published in the June issue of the MJSA Journal, which was mailed out today, MJSA Board Chair Edward DeCristofaro explained that the board’s decision to become part of JA was not taken lightly but came about as a result of industry consolidation.
Citing data from the Jewelers Board of Trade, he noted that the number of U.S. jewelry manufacturers has shrunk by half in the last 25 years.
“This contraction not only put financial stress on MJSA, but also constrained our shared strength,” DeCristofaro wrote. “Especially with advocacy issues (such as the recent tariff hikes), scale matters. To continue to make a difference to our members, we had to grow.”
Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte echoed DeCristofaro’s sentiment that there is strength in numbers when it comes to advocating for the jewelry industry’s interests in Washington, D.C., and locally.
“I think, in general, unifying the trade associations under one umbrella makes it better for the jewelry retailers and suppliers in the United States. It’s more unified leadership,” he said.
Bonaparte added that it is also more efficient to have a trade organization that represents the entire jewelry supply chain.
Related stories will be right here …
The boards of both organizations have agreed to the affiliation and the MJSA membership approved it in a vote that took place April 18.
All that remains now is for JA to complete a standard due diligence process, with the agreement expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
In a letter published in the June issue of the MJSA Journal, which was mailed out today, MJSA Board Chair Edward DeCristofaro explained that the board’s decision to become part of JA was not taken lightly but came about as a result of industry consolidation.
Citing data from the Jewelers Board of Trade, he noted that the number of U.S. jewelry manufacturers has shrunk by half in the last 25 years.
“This contraction not only put financial stress on MJSA, but also constrained our shared strength,” DeCristofaro wrote. “Especially with advocacy issues (such as the recent tariff hikes), scale matters. To continue to make a difference to our members, we had to grow.”
Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte echoed DeCristofaro’s sentiment that there is strength in numbers when it comes to advocating for the jewelry industry’s interests in Washington, D.C., and locally.
“I think, in general, unifying the trade associations under one umbrella makes it better for the jewelry retailers and suppliers in the United States. It’s more unified leadership,” he said.
Bonaparte added that it is also more efficient to have a trade organization that represents the entire jewelry supply chain.
Incorporated in 1903, MJSA is an organization for jewelry manufacturers, suppliers, and designers that connects businesses with providers of jewelry-making equipment, supplies, and services.
It also provides related educational and informational resources, like the MJSA Journal.
Following finalization of the agreement, it will continue in that role but as part of Jewelers of America.
MJSA, as an entity, will be dissolved, though all the organization’s members will retain their current benefits and, in the coming months, gain access to JA’s benefits.
Bonaparte said this is one aspect of the affiliation agreement that excites him most—being able to provide more benefits for both MJSA and JA members, who will get access to whichever MJSA benefits work for their business.
MJSA’s current board also will be dissolved but an advisory board comprised of many of the organization’s current directors will be established to provide guidance and input on advocacy issues related to jewelry manufacturing and design.
The MJSA Journal will still be distributed monthly to both members and subscribers, and the MJSA Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 subsidiary of MJSA that provides scholarships, will continue to operate with its own board of trustees, though it will be governed by JA.
Rich Youmans will remain on as publisher of the journal and executive director of the foundation.
MJSA’s office in Attleboro, Massachusetts, eventually be closed, and all operations will be transferred to JA’s headquarters at 120 Broadway in New York City.
The organization has a total of eight employees, and Bonaparte said JA is still working through the integration process to determine how many employees will be retained.
The affiliation agreement with MJSA marks the third addition JA has made in the past decade.
The nonprofit trade organization acquired National Jeweler from Emerald Expositions (now known as just Emerald) in 2015.
In 2017, JA signed an affiliation agreement with the Diamond Council of America, and that organization’s headquarters also were relocated to 120 Broadway.
Last week, JA announced that its Chief Financial and Operating Officer Annie Doresca would succeed Terry Chandler as president and CEO of DCA.
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 Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & WatchesAlexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds EditionThe superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the HolidaysRetailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.
AuctionsOct 22, 2025
Pink Diamond, Vanderbilt Jewels to Headline Phillips’ Geneva AuctionThe nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.
SourcingOct 22, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 22, 2025
Tiffany & Co.’s ‘Bird on a Rock’ Finds New PerchChief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
JFC Kicks Off Halloween Costume ChallengeFive dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
Hillsborough Antique Show Gets New OwnerRecently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.
GradingOct 21, 2025
GIA Examines Rare Bicolor Pink DiamondThe stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.
Lab-GrownOct 21, 2025
Grown Brilliance Opens First FlagshipThe New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.
Events & AwardsOct 21, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MADThe Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.
AuctionsOct 20, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 10-Carat Vivid Pink DiamondMaking its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.
