JFC Kicks Off Halloween Costume Challenge
Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.

The challenge, which opened Tuesday, asks members of the industry to buy votes for the individual they would most like to see in a costume this Oct. 31, with all the money raised going toward different children’s charities.
Supporters can put votes toward their choice of 10 industry “champions,” including Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi, Alexis Padis of Padis Jewelry, and Brecken and Jonathan Farnsworth of Parle Gems.
The industry professional who has the most votes on Oct. 27 has to dress up as a hero or villain for Halloween; the winner (loser?) decides which costume they will wear.
Each vote is $5, and there is no limit to how many votes can be purchased.
“Buy votes for people you want to see in costume, or to keep friends from spending October 31st in Spandex,” the JFC website states.
The money raised will go to support a variety of causes.
For 100 votes ($500), JFC said it can send two HIV-positive children to Ariel Camps, where they discuss how to disclose their HIV status to their peers, and learn healthy life skills and important lessons about HIV care, support, and treatment.
Other causes include providing an HIV test for a pregnant woman ($5), gifting a duffle bag for a child in foster care ($20), or fulfilling a wish through Make-A-Wish America ($15,000).
“The JFC Halloween Challenge is an important way for us to give the jewelry community the opportunity to support kids in need no matter where they are,” Jewelers for Children Executive Director Sara Murphy told National Jeweler.
“We get to do this really fun thing, and anyone can be a part of it for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. I hope that people join us in supporting the kids and also having a great time together while we do it.”
To view participating industry professionals and to place votes, visit the JFC website. Credit cards are accepted.
Voting closes Oct. 27 at 9 p.m. EST.
The Latest

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.


Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.

Bulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

JVC also announced the election of five new board members.

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.

Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.

Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.























