Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodEvents & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative Recipients
The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
Jewelers of America has announced the eight recipients of the 2026 Impact Initiative program.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced the recipients of its Impact Initiative program.
The program, in its second year, provides funding for industry nonprofits, companies that provide jewelry-related programming, and trade associations in the United States.
Eight recipients were selected.
They will receive funding for projects that JA said support the industry’s critical need for education, increasing access to the jewelry trade, advancing innovation, and enhancing ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
“Jewelers of America is proud to collaborate with other associations and support the programs that will make our industry stronger,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“The applicants for this year’s funding showed the grit of our industry and we are proud to increase our level of support to eight organizations. Each program aligns with our strategic plan and we know that together, we will make meaningful impact.”
The 92nd Street Y received funding to expand its Teen Gems program, a free, high-level jewelry-making course for New York City high school students.
The program provides rigorous instruction, mentorship, and financial stipends that remove barriers to participation and encourage consistent engagement.
The Diamond Council of America received funding to grow Second Spark, a workforce initiative it launched earlier this year.
It recruits veterans and returning-to-work parents for credentialed jewelry sales careers.
Los Angeles-based Diamond Club West Coast received funding for its work to improve safety within the LA Jewelry District by strengthening the crime-solving tools available for the LAPD Central Station.
Diamonds Do Good received funding to provide jewelry professionals with “My Diamond Did Good” tools, which help deliver authentic, verified stories of how natural diamonds support communities around the world, the organization said.
The Future Jewelers Academy received funding to expand its programs to provide direct training pathways for high school students and young adults interested in skilled trade careers.
The program, which launched in 2024, is currently focusing on workforce readiness and industry connection with a Summer Learning Pathway at Brooklyn STEAM Center and new programs launching in White Plains, New York, and Hempstead, New York.
The academy aims to ignite passion, cultivate creativity, and unlock career pathways in the industry, while also preserving the traditional crafts of silversmithing, goldsmithing, and jewelry design.
Related stories will be right here …
The program, in its second year, provides funding for industry nonprofits, companies that provide jewelry-related programming, and trade associations in the United States.
Eight recipients were selected.
They will receive funding for projects that JA said support the industry’s critical need for education, increasing access to the jewelry trade, advancing innovation, and enhancing ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
“Jewelers of America is proud to collaborate with other associations and support the programs that will make our industry stronger,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“The applicants for this year’s funding showed the grit of our industry and we are proud to increase our level of support to eight organizations. Each program aligns with our strategic plan and we know that together, we will make meaningful impact.”
The 92nd Street Y received funding to expand its Teen Gems program, a free, high-level jewelry-making course for New York City high school students.
The program provides rigorous instruction, mentorship, and financial stipends that remove barriers to participation and encourage consistent engagement.
The Diamond Council of America received funding to grow Second Spark, a workforce initiative it launched earlier this year.
It recruits veterans and returning-to-work parents for credentialed jewelry sales careers.
Los Angeles-based Diamond Club West Coast received funding for its work to improve safety within the LA Jewelry District by strengthening the crime-solving tools available for the LAPD Central Station.
Diamonds Do Good received funding to provide jewelry professionals with “My Diamond Did Good” tools, which help deliver authentic, verified stories of how natural diamonds support communities around the world, the organization said.
The Future Jewelers Academy received funding to expand its programs to provide direct training pathways for high school students and young adults interested in skilled trade careers.
The program, which launched in 2024, is currently focusing on workforce readiness and industry connection with a Summer Learning Pathway at Brooklyn STEAM Center and new programs launching in White Plains, New York, and Hempstead, New York.
The academy aims to ignite passion, cultivate creativity, and unlock career pathways in the industry, while also preserving the traditional crafts of silversmithing, goldsmithing, and jewelry design.
The Georgia Jewelers Association, a non-profit for retail jewelers in Georgia, received funding for its efforts to promote bench jeweler careers in Georgia and across the Southeast.
Through hands-on demonstrations, the “Tools in Hand: Community Outreach for Bench Jeweler Employment” program makes tools, gold, and gemstones available for young people at schools and job fairs and introduces them to opportunities in the jewelry industry.
The Jewelers Security Alliance received funding for its efforts to address the increasing number of cyber security threats.
This includes expanding their threat intel and training to help the jewelry industry protect itself against cybercrime and respond and recover when they are a victim.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee received funding for its comprehensive guide "Everything You Need to Know About Plated, Filled, Vermeil, Electroplated and Alternative Metal Jewelry."
It said the guide will give makers the tools they need to understand these products and explain them to their customers.
The JA Impact Initiative is part of the association’s three-year strategic plan that prioritizes development in key areas that make up the organization’s identity: energize and serve the member community, advance education, and amplify advocacy.
Funds were awarded to organizations or companies based on programs, potential reach, and need.
The Jewelers of America Impact Initiative Committee is comprised of Bonaparte, Coleman Clark of BC Clark, Molly Fallon of JA, Amanda Gizzi of JA, Sue Hopeman of Robbins Brothers, Sheryl Jones of Sheryl Jones Jewelry, and Ulrich Wohn of Victorinox.
For further information, visit JA’s website or contact JA Member Services at (800) 223-0673 or members@jewelers.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
