Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsIndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief
Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
IJO has donated the money it fundraised at its March conference to Fire Station 44 in Cypress Park (left) and Fire Station 16 in South El Sereno.
Southport, Conn.—The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) has raised more than $36,000 to benefit two fire stations in Los Angeles.
In January of this year, a series of destructive wildfires that started in Southern California affected several areas in Los Angeles and San Diego County, killing at least 30 people.
The wildfires burned tens of thousands of acres over the course of about 3 weeks, leading to billions of dollars in losses.
IJO is the latest of several in the industry who have contributed to relief efforts for the area.
The organization held a scrap gold donation fundraiser to benefit firefighters and other recovery efforts in March during its semi-annual conference in Palm Springs, California, raising $19,000.
IJO vendor partners Elemetal & United Precious Metals donated their time to manage the gold donations.
In addition, two paintings created by the event’s keynote speaker, artist Erik Wahl, were auctioned off.
Wahl’s depiction of The Statue of Liberty and portrait of Albert Einstein sold for $8,750 each, bringing the total raised to $36,500.
“The response from our membership was truly heartwarming,” said IJO Vice President Jennifer Herold.
“This support makes a real difference.”
Related stories will be right here …
In January of this year, a series of destructive wildfires that started in Southern California affected several areas in Los Angeles and San Diego County, killing at least 30 people.
The wildfires burned tens of thousands of acres over the course of about 3 weeks, leading to billions of dollars in losses.
IJO is the latest of several in the industry who have contributed to relief efforts for the area.
The organization held a scrap gold donation fundraiser to benefit firefighters and other recovery efforts in March during its semi-annual conference in Palm Springs, California, raising $19,000.
IJO vendor partners Elemetal & United Precious Metals donated their time to manage the gold donations.
In addition, two paintings created by the event’s keynote speaker, artist Erik Wahl, were auctioned off.
Wahl’s depiction of The Statue of Liberty and portrait of Albert Einstein sold for $8,750 each, bringing the total raised to $36,500.
“The response from our membership was truly heartwarming,” said IJO Vice President Jennifer Herold.
“This support makes a real difference.”
IJO donated the money to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation’s Adopt-A-Fire-Station Program, which works to improve firefighters' and paramedics' working and living conditions for the 106 LAFD fire stations.
IJO selected Fire Station 16 in South El Sereno and Fire Station 44 in Cypress Park, two stations the organization said are located in underserved communities and struggle with ongoing, unmet needs.
Captain Best at LAFD Fire Station 44 noted, “The city of Los Angeles does not provide many of the essentials required of life in a fire station. We have to either come up with our own money or ask for help from the Fire Foundation through donations. These donations typically come from businesses or individuals within each fire station district. At 44’s, we have had no donors in the last 7 years since I’ve been here. While the Fire Foundation has been gracious in finding other money to help us when they can, it’s been tough to get everything we need done.”
Best said the station plans to use the IJO funds to complete its fire station gymnasium, purchase gym equipment, and upgrade its station tools with modern, up-to-date equipment.
“Please think of this as a 20-year investment in 44’s physical and mental wellness. We take excellent care of our equipment and tools, so we will make it last,” said Best.
Firefighter Kristian Bage at LAFD Fire Station 16 said they will use the funds to add a much-needed storage unit to better organize gear, tools, and supplies.
"As one of the smaller stations, having this additional space will make a big difference in our day-to-day operations,” said Bage.
“We’ll also be upgrading our gym equipment, which is used daily as part of our physical fitness requirement. Our current equipment is outdated, so these improvements will directly support our health and readiness. We truly appreciate [IJO’s] support; it means a lot to all of us."
IJO President and CEO Stephen Barnes added, “IJO has made it a practice to ‘leave our mark’ in the communities we visit, and we’re so proud to have been able to make contributions of more than half a million dollars to many worthy causes over the years.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
