Majors

MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

MajorsMay 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.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
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 … 

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. 

The Latest

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Tacori bezel-set diamond bands
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

Auctim emerald auction
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough Emeralds

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

Nanis Ipanema Collection Campaign
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

Sissy’s new Little Rock store
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

September Hong Kong jewelry show
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong Show

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

Francesca Villa Fantasia Collection The Crab Pendant, The Mermaid Pendant, Keep Dancing Seahorse Pendant, Keep Dancing Ladybug Pendant, Secret Dreams Pendant, The Puffer Fish Takes Flight Pendant
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

Breitling’s special Eagles Super Bowl watch on gold bracelet
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

Silvia Furmanovich Kasmir Collection Carnelian Bracelet and Sketch
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern India

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Bench jeweler holding a bracelet and a tool
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHo

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

LAFD Fire Station 44 and Fire Station 16
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

A Vanitas by Hannah Martin and Guy Berryman Sothebys
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s London

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Cover of the book “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History”
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the Holidays

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy