SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleMajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s Umbrella
The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America is now part of Jewelers of America. The two industry organizations announced their intention to unite via an affiliation agreement in May and, on Monday, said the agreement has been signed.
New York—Jewelers of America and Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) have finalized and signed their affiliation agreement, the two organizations said Monday.
The completion of the deal, first announced in May, means that MJSA is now officially part of JA, though the organization will continue to have the same mission—connecting jewelry manufacturers, suppliers, and designers with providers of equipment, supplies, and services, and with educational and informational resources.
This includes the MJSA Journal, which will continue to be distributed monthly under the supervision of publisher Rich Youmans.
“Jewelers of America is thrilled to have the MJSA team, MJSA Journal, and the MJSA Foundation under our Jewelers of America umbrella,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said.
“By bringing together MJSA members with Jewelers of America members, we will be more united than ever in our efforts to advocate for the jewelry industry’s diverse needs.”
He added that the two organizations already are working to increase member benefits, enhance educational offerings, and streamline efficiencies.
Related stories will be right here …
The completion of the deal, first announced in May, means that MJSA is now officially part of JA, though the organization will continue to have the same mission—connecting jewelry manufacturers, suppliers, and designers with providers of equipment, supplies, and services, and with educational and informational resources.
This includes the MJSA Journal, which will continue to be distributed monthly under the supervision of publisher Rich Youmans.
“Jewelers of America is thrilled to have the MJSA team, MJSA Journal, and the MJSA Foundation under our Jewelers of America umbrella,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said.
“By bringing together MJSA members with Jewelers of America members, we will be more united than ever in our efforts to advocate for the jewelry industry’s diverse needs.”
He added that the two organizations already are working to increase member benefits, enhance educational offerings, and streamline efficiencies.
Incorporated in 1903 as an organization for the industry’s manufacturers, suppliers and designers, MJSA was based in Attleboro, Massachusetts, but its office has been closed. All of the organization’s operations have migrated to JA’s headquarters in New York.
MJSA had eight employees, four of whom have become employees of JA.
MJSA’s board of directors has been dissolved. Its board members are now part of an advisory committee to JA’s board of directors.
The MJSA Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 subsidiary of MJSA, will continue to operate with its own board of trustees, and Youmans will remain its executive director.
The foundation supports career and training initiatives for students and workers throughout the jewelry industry.
This includes the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program, which the U.S. Department of Labor recently designated as a Registered Apprenticeship Program, the first in the jewelry industry.
“Together with JA’s education and certification programs, MJSA and JA are working to create a clear pathway for aspiring jewelers to enter the industry and gain technical and business mastery,” the organizations said.
The affiliation agreement with MJSA marks JA’s third addition in the past decade.
The nonprofit trade organization acquired National Jeweler in 2015 and signed an affiliation agreement with the Diamond Council of America in 2017.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
More on Majors
The Latest
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
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.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
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.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
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.
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.
