Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipEvents & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative Applications
The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Applications for Jewelers of America’s Impact Initiative are now open and will close on May 18.
New York—Jewelers of America has opened applications for its 2026 Impact Initiative.
The program, which is in its second year, provides funding to organizations within the United States for projects that enhance the jewelry industry through ethical practices, environmental responsibility, education, innovation advancement, and more.
It is part of the association’s strategic plan that prioritizes development in areas central to its identity: energize and serve the member community, advance education, and amplify advocacy.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with a clear mission for jewelry industry advancement, companies offering jewelry-related programming, and trade associations focused on the U.S. jewelry sector.
The funds will be awarded based on programs, potential reach, and need.
JA will be giving an initial $150,000 for 2026, with a goal to create long-term positive change.
“Jewelers of America is committed to elevating the jewelry industry. We believe that by supporting programming of other associations, we can make even more impact,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“We look forward to seeing the applications for this year and remain grateful to our board of directors for supporting our vision to create the Impact Initiative.”
The 2025 inaugural Impact Initiative funds were awarded to BIJC Education Fund for its Future Jewelers Academy; Diamonds Do Good; Jewelers Security Alliance for the JSA Security Certification Program; Jewelers Vigilance Committee for its Legal Essentials for Jewelry Designers Guide; Providence Jewelers Club for its “Advancing Craftsmanship: Educational Opportunities for Bench Jewelers and Watchmakers” scholarship; and Texas Jewelers Association for GIA sessions at the Texas Jewelers Association Fall Conference.
Applications for this year’s Impact Initiative are now open and will close on May 18.
For further information, visit JA’s website or contact JA Member Services at 800-223-0673 or members@jewelers.org.
Related stories will be right here …
The program, which is in its second year, provides funding to organizations within the United States for projects that enhance the jewelry industry through ethical practices, environmental responsibility, education, innovation advancement, and more.
It is part of the association’s strategic plan that prioritizes development in areas central to its identity: energize and serve the member community, advance education, and amplify advocacy.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with a clear mission for jewelry industry advancement, companies offering jewelry-related programming, and trade associations focused on the U.S. jewelry sector.
The funds will be awarded based on programs, potential reach, and need.
JA will be giving an initial $150,000 for 2026, with a goal to create long-term positive change.
“Jewelers of America is committed to elevating the jewelry industry. We believe that by supporting programming of other associations, we can make even more impact,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“We look forward to seeing the applications for this year and remain grateful to our board of directors for supporting our vision to create the Impact Initiative.”
The 2025 inaugural Impact Initiative funds were awarded to BIJC Education Fund for its Future Jewelers Academy; Diamonds Do Good; Jewelers Security Alliance for the JSA Security Certification Program; Jewelers Vigilance Committee for its Legal Essentials for Jewelry Designers Guide; Providence Jewelers Club for its “Advancing Craftsmanship: Educational Opportunities for Bench Jewelers and Watchmakers” scholarship; and Texas Jewelers Association for GIA sessions at the Texas Jewelers Association Fall Conference.
Applications for this year’s Impact Initiative are now open and will close on May 18.
For further information, visit JA’s website or contact JA Member Services at 800-223-0673 or members@jewelers.org.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
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.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
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.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
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.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
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.
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.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
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.
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.
