Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members
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Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members
From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
Brought To You By Jewelers of America
This story first appeared in the print edition of the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame. Click here to see the full issue.
Through numerous changes and challenges, Jewelers of America (JA) has served as the unifying voice of the jewelry industry since 1906, providing its members with resources, advocacy, and initiatives that support the evolving needs of jewelry businesses. Today, Jewelers of America continues to drive progress by expanding programs and partnerships that elevate businesses of all sizes. From its newly launched Jewelers of America Impact Initiative to educational tools and programs, scholarships, advocacy efforts, and its recent affiliation with MJSA, Jewelers of America puts the focus on creating meaningful impact for members.
“Our mission is to ensure our members have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to serve their communities and be successful for generations,” say Jewelers of America President & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“Jewelers of America has always been devoted to advocating for the needs of jewelers – large and small. The larger the membership voice, the more impact we have to help build a stronger future for the industry.”
Championing Education
Education remains at the core of Jewelers of America’s mission. The association offers members a variety of programs and effective ways to advance their education and promote their achievements to their communities.
Through Jewelers of America’s robust certification program—which offers professional certification in sales, management and bench--, jewelers can demonstrate their skills, advance their careers, differentiate their business, and enhance their credibility.
Education is also delivered in the form of webinars, video content and regional learning workshops. Jewelers of America partners with National Jeweler for an educational webinar series titled, “My Next Question” and shares educational articles from both National Jeweler and the MJSA Journal.
Cultivating and Promoting the Next Generation
Recognizing the importance of cultivating the next generation of jewelers, JA partnered with the Black in Jewelry Coalition for the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program. The program is designed to provide early-stage jewelry entrepreneurs with the mentorship, education, and networking opportunities they need to succeed. For many emerging businesses, this kind of support is game-changing.
The Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 program celebrates up-and-coming professionals who exemplify leadership skills and a commitment to the jewelry industry. The program highlights the best and brightest rising talent in the industry. This year’s program has two lists, each with 20 standouts from JA’s supplier and retailer memberships.
Fighting for the Jewelry Industry in Washington
Jewelers of America is the leading advocate for the jewelry industry in Washington, D.C. The organization works tirelessly to protect the interests of its members, whether it’s fighting against harmful tariffs, promoting fair tax policies, or safeguarding consumer confidence through responsible sourcing guidance.
One of JA’s most notable recent advocacy efforts has been its fight against proposed tariffs that will increase costs across the supply chain. JA is actively lobbying Congress and working closely with other industry groups to help stave off measures that could negatively impacted jewelry businesses and their customers.
Impacting the Industry
Jewelers of America Impact Initiative, a multifaceted program designed to foster the sustainability of the jewelry industry, is one of the newest programs. Part of the Initiative’s focus is to fund organizations and projects that directly benefit the U.S. jewelry sector and are focused on advancing ethical practices, supporting environmental responsibility, driving innovation, and investing in education.
The 2025 Jewelers of America Impact Initiative recipients were: BIJC Education Fund, Diamonds Do Good, Jewelers Security Alliance, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Providence Jewelers Club, and Texas Jewelers Association
Investing in the Future Workforce
Workforce development is a key priority for Jewelers of America, and its Scholarship Programs make education and training more accessible. Among them is the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship, which directly supports students pursuing bench jewelry careers. By providing financial assistance, JA is helping to close the skills gap and bring more qualified bench jewelers into the industry.
In addition to the Bench Scholarships, in 2025 Jewelers of America awarded 23 scholarships to Jewelers of America members toward award programs and certification at renowned education providers.
Unifying with MJSA to Build a Stronger Industry Together
In a significant move to further strengthen and streamline the jewelry industry, Jewelers of America has recently announced their affiliation with Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA). This strategic partnership brings together two well-respected industry organizations that will enhance the value offered to both of their members.
By joining forces, JA and MJSA will be able to expand resources for manufacturers, designers, suppliers, and retailers alike through networking opportunities, broader educational programming, and a stronger collective voice on key issues affecting the jewelry industry.
Why Membership Matters
Every program, initiative, and partnership that Jewelers of America develops is rooted in the belief that a thriving jewelry industry benefits everyone. Whether it’s advocating for fair legislation, supporting new talent, or providing grants that fuel innovation, JA is working to create opportunities for its members to succeed.
Now is the perfect time for jewelers to join the organization. Membership unlocks access to exclusive educational resources, certification programs, scholarships, and advocacy efforts that protect and grow businesses. It also connects members to a nationwide community of like-minded professionals who share a commitment to excellence and ethical practices.
To learn more about Jewelers of America’s initiatives or to become a member, visit www.jewelers.org.
