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
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEOLuca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.
