An across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
JA Hires Mark Smelzer, Elizabeth Brewer as Consultants
The industry veterans will help Jewelers of America enhance membership and consumer marketing.

New York—Jewelers of America has hired industry veterans Mark Smelzer and Elizabeth Brewer as consultants to enhance two of the association’s core priorities: consumer marketing and membership.
Smelzer will assist in the strategic development of a consumer marketing initiative to launch in early 2019.
The longtime publisher of JCK magazine and JCKOnline, Smelzer is now the principal of his own consulting company, Mark Smelzer LLC. His career experience includes magazine and website publishing, sales and marketing, content marketing, and “native” advertising and brand ambassadorship.
Brewer, meanwhile, will help JA’s membership department enhance engagement with its retail membership base.
With nearly two decades of experience in the jewelry industry, Brewer has held key positions at Brown + Partners, De Boulle Diamond & Jewelry, the American Gem Trade Association and Diamond Council of America.
She holds a bachelor’s in advertising and public relations from the University of Mississippi and has studied at the Gemological Institute of America.
“The addition of Elizabeth and Mark in consultant roles will play a big part in our continued commitment to membership growth and consumer marketing, which are essential to our mission to improve confidence in the jewelry industry,” JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte said.
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.
The Latest

Brigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.

LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.

The retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.


Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

The new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.

Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.

In March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.

The 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.

The company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.

Beau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.

A pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.

The event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.

The charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.

The National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.

The 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.

Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.