Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersEvents & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients
The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Jewelers of America has announced the six recipients of the Impact Initiative program it launched last year.
New York—Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the recipients of its inaugural Impact Initiative funding program.
Six jewelry trade associations were selected. They boast a diverse range of programming and serve a mix of localized and global audiences, JA said.
Each will receive funding for projects that support the industry’s critical need for education, increasing access to the jewelry trade, advancing innovation, and enhancing ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
“We believe in the power of community, education, and empowerment. The applicants for our first Impact Initiative share our goal to make the jewelry industry stronger. We are proud to support the six organizations and look forward to seeing their collective programs create meaningful change,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.
BIJC Education Fund received funding for its Future Jewelers Academy program, which was established last year with the goal of empowering youth from underrepresented communities through education and community in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry.
The program provides high school students with hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill development.
It aims to ignite passion, cultivate creativity, and unlock career pathways in the industry, while also preserving the traditional crafts of silversmithing, goldsmithing, and jewelry design.
Diamonds Do Good, a nonprofit founded in 2007 to share the positive impact of natural diamonds on the communities where they are mined, cut, and polished, received funding for its initiatives.
The organization aims to bridge the gap between these communities and consumers through highlighting real stories of education, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship funded by the natural diamond industry.
It also seeks to act as a platform for the diamond industry to show its commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility.
The Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) received funds for its JSA Security Certification Program, a nationwide security certification program which addresses the critical safety challenges that jewelers face today.
JSA said the program, which has not launched yet, will establish industry-standard security credentials through comprehensive training in physical security, digital asset protection, robbery prevention, and emergency response protocols.
The organization plans to work with law enforcement to incorporate the latest crime prevention techniques and real-world case studies.
Related stories will be right here …
Six jewelry trade associations were selected. They boast a diverse range of programming and serve a mix of localized and global audiences, JA said.
Each will receive funding for projects that support the industry’s critical need for education, increasing access to the jewelry trade, advancing innovation, and enhancing ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
“We believe in the power of community, education, and empowerment. The applicants for our first Impact Initiative share our goal to make the jewelry industry stronger. We are proud to support the six organizations and look forward to seeing their collective programs create meaningful change,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.
BIJC Education Fund received funding for its Future Jewelers Academy program, which was established last year with the goal of empowering youth from underrepresented communities through education and community in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry.
The program provides high school students with hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill development.
It aims to ignite passion, cultivate creativity, and unlock career pathways in the industry, while also preserving the traditional crafts of silversmithing, goldsmithing, and jewelry design.
Diamonds Do Good, a nonprofit founded in 2007 to share the positive impact of natural diamonds on the communities where they are mined, cut, and polished, received funding for its initiatives.
The organization aims to bridge the gap between these communities and consumers through highlighting real stories of education, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship funded by the natural diamond industry.
It also seeks to act as a platform for the diamond industry to show its commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility.
The Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) received funds for its JSA Security Certification Program, a nationwide security certification program which addresses the critical safety challenges that jewelers face today.
JSA said the program, which has not launched yet, will establish industry-standard security credentials through comprehensive training in physical security, digital asset protection, robbery prevention, and emergency response protocols.
The organization plans to work with law enforcement to incorporate the latest crime prevention techniques and real-world case studies.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) received funds for its Legal Essentials for Jewelry Designers Guide.
The guide will give designers the basic legal knowledge they need to bring their creations to the marketplace compliantly and grow their businesses in a sustainable, ethical fashion, said JVC.
It will offer information about laws and guidelines that affect their work, such as the legal details of starting a business, basic intellectual property issues, sections on anti-money laundering, responsible sourcing, compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s Jewelry and Green Guides, as well as other important issues.
Providence Jewelers Club received funds for its scholarship program, “Advancing Craftsmanship: Educational Opportunities for Bench Jewelers and Watchmakers.” The award is for bench jewelers and watchmakers—two sectors of the industry facing a shortage of trained professionals.
The program was created to encourage continued growth of jewelers in the area, the organization said, as it aims to attract new talent, upskill current professionals, and ensure the longevity and excellence of the jewelry and watch industries.
The Texas Jewelers Association received funds for the “Elevating Excellence: GIA Sessions at the Texas Jewelers Association Fall Conference” programming it will host at the TJA Fall Conference in Austin, Texas.
The full day of GIA sessions, led by instructors from the lab, will offer hands-on and lecture-based education meeting the needs of retailers, appraisers, designers, and gemologists.
It was created to elevate the professional development, technical expertise, and ethical standards of jewelry professionals and will be open to all conference attendees.
The JA Impact Initiative is part of the association’s three-year strategic plan that prioritizes development in key areas that make up the organization’s identity: energize and serve the member community, advance education, and amplify advocacy.
Funds were awarded to organizations or companies based on programs, potential reach, and need.
For further information, visit JA’s website or contact JA Member Services at (800) 223-0673 or members@jewelers.org.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
