SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
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.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
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.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
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.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
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.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
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.
