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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
