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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
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.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
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.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
