Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackEvents & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients
This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
The JCK Industry Fund Committee has awarded more than $330,000 in grants to nine different organizations.
Norwalk, Conn.—The JCK Industry Fund committee has announced the recipients of its 2026 grants.
The committee awarded a total of more than $330,000, which will be divided among nine organizations.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition will use its grant to support diversity among emerging jewelry designers to ensure equitable representation.
It will provide funds to cover designer showcases, travel, lodging, marketing, and the operational costs of participating in trade shows.
The BIJC Education Fund will use the funds for The Future Jewelers Academy, which provides hands-on training, mentorship, and career pathways in jewelry design and manufacturing to students.
The Diamond Council of America will put its funds towards launching the Second Spark Workforce Initiative, which provides subsidized certification, career support, and job placement for 100 veterans and returning parents to address the industry’s workforce shortage.
Diamonds Do Good will use its grant to amplify consumer engagement, promote the positive impact of natural diamonds, and strengthen industry trust through broadcast and digital campaigns, retailer collaborations, and storytelling initiatives.
Gem Legacy will put the funds toward building a water well for sustainable school meal funding and retaining walls for safe infrastructure at its campus in Tanzania, which supports education, nutrition, and vocational training for mining communities.
Related stories will be right here …
The committee awarded a total of more than $330,000, which will be divided among nine organizations.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition will use its grant to support diversity among emerging jewelry designers to ensure equitable representation.
It will provide funds to cover designer showcases, travel, lodging, marketing, and the operational costs of participating in trade shows.
The BIJC Education Fund will use the funds for The Future Jewelers Academy, which provides hands-on training, mentorship, and career pathways in jewelry design and manufacturing to students.
The Diamond Council of America will put its funds towards launching the Second Spark Workforce Initiative, which provides subsidized certification, career support, and job placement for 100 veterans and returning parents to address the industry’s workforce shortage.
Diamonds Do Good will use its grant to amplify consumer engagement, promote the positive impact of natural diamonds, and strengthen industry trust through broadcast and digital campaigns, retailer collaborations, and storytelling initiatives.
Gem Legacy will put the funds toward building a water well for sustainable school meal funding and retaining walls for safe infrastructure at its campus in Tanzania, which supports education, nutrition, and vocational training for mining communities.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will use its grant to modernize its national jewelry crime database, integrate it with their mobile app, and enhance analytics, visualization, and real-time crime prevention capabilities.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee will use the funds to continue providing legal guidance on tariffs and trade.
The Jewelry Edit Foundation will put its funds towards creating a four-part video series titled “Inside the Jewelry Trade Show.”
It will also use the funds for its mentoring program that educates emerging designers—with a focus on designers from underrepresented backgrounds—on navigating trade shows, from preparation to post-show success.
Partners In Health will use its grant to support the final stages of the Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone, a country whose diamonds shaped the global jewelry industry’s past, and whose people now deserve a future defined by dignity, health, and long-term opportunity, it said.
It will enhance maternal care through workforce training, advanced medical equipment, and expanded patient-centered services.
“We’ve seen firsthand how investing in visionary programs transforms lives and drives industry progress,” said Sarin Bachmann, senior vice president of RX Jewelry Portfolio and chair of the JCK Industry Fund Committee.
“This year’s recipients exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication, expanding access to education, supporting emerging designers, strengthening our industry’s workforce, and uplifting communities around the globe.”
The recipients were evaluated by a committee of industry leaders based on their ability to align with the JCK Industry Fund’s mission, it said, and their capacity to drive sustainable progress in crucial focus areas.
The fund was started in 1997 and has awarded more than $7 million in grants.
For more information and to donate, visit the JCK Industry Fund website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
