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.

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.
The Latest

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

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

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.