IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues
Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
Brought To You By Jewelers of America
Right now, with broad tariffs of 10 percent hitting our trading partners globally—and the potential threat of higher rates to come as soon as August 1—the jewelry industry is facing an “all hands-on deck” crisis. It will take a robust, sustained, and focused lobbying effort in Washington, D.C. to protect jewelry businesses.
Jewelers of America (JA), through its advocacy efforts and the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC), is leading the charge.
Since the Trump Administration announced its first tariffs earlier this year, Jewelers of America has pushed back on levies that could hurt the jewelry industry, inviting members of the trade to share their stories and reach out directly to their representatives and the administration.
In May, JA sent letters and its position paper on tariffs to key Trump Administration officials, outlining why the tariffs are damaging to the industry and asking for an exemption for diamonds and finished fine jewelry. The work continues as we plan for our annual fly-in to Washington, D.C. on September 17, 2025.
In May, JA sent letters and its position paper on tariffs to key Trump Administration officials, outlining why the tariffs are damaging to the industry and asking for an exemption for diamonds and finished fine jewelry. The work continues as we plan for our annual fly-in to Washington, D.C. on September 17, 2025.
An Advocate for the Jewelry Industry
JA’s efforts to represent jewelers on tariffs are just one piece of the work we have been doing for members and the industry. Over the years, we have played a key role in fighting against legislation that hurts jewelry businesses – from luxury taxes in the early nineties to estate taxes and everything in between.
We have also supported measures that help jewelers, like tax cuts, sales tax fairness and legislation to fight retail crime. To that end, we joined with other groups in helping to overturn a Supreme Court ruling that had hampered states’ abilities to collect sales tax on online purchases and we are currently working to get bipartisan support for legislation in the House and Senate to address retail crime.
We have also supported measures that help jewelers, like tax cuts, sales tax fairness and legislation to fight retail crime. To that end, we joined with other groups in helping to overturn a Supreme Court ruling that had hampered states’ abilities to collect sales tax on online purchases and we are currently working to get bipartisan support for legislation in the House and Senate to address retail crime.
Support from Jewelers of America members is critical to our efforts: their voices on how legislation and policies affect their businesses--day-to-day and long-term—helps put JA messaging into clear context. It is one thing for a lawmaker to hear broad talking points from JA; it is more powerful when a jeweler can say how a policy is having an immediate and real-world impact on their business.
How You Can Have an Impact
Having influence is more important than ever, with pressure on industries—jewelry included—coming from all angles: government, non-governmental organizations, and customers (both consumers of jewelry products and supply chain partners). As an industry we must engage in conversations early and often.
Actionable Steps You Can Take to Stand Up for Your Business:
- Join Jewelers of America: If you are not already a Jewelers of America member, now is the time to join.
- Join JAPAC: Become a member to grow the industry's influence. As a non-profit trade organization, the association started JAPAC as a separate segregated fund/PAC in accordance with election laws. It is funded by voluntary donations from individuals affiliated with Jewelers of America and its members. You must be a Jewelers of America member to support JAPAC.
- Speak Up on Tariffs: Share your stories on how tariffs are already impacting your business through JA’s short online form.
-
Get Involved: For questions about JA advocacy, including our annual fly-in to Washington, D.C., reach out to Susan Posnock, JA’s Director of Public Affairs & Education at sposnock@jewelers.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
