Policies & IssuesOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
IndependentsJun 16, 2020
James Free Jewelers Installs Anti-Microbial Tech
The jeweler turned to new technology to make customers feel safe returning to its stores amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
James Free Jewelers’ Cincinnati location. The jeweler’s two stores in Ohio now feature anti-microbial technology as part of its enhanced cleaning protocols amid COVID-19. (Image courtesy of James Free Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Cincinnati—As stores begin to reopen, retailers are going to new lengths to ensure customers their locations are a safe place to shop.
James Free Jewelers installed new anti-microbial technology in both of its Ohio stores to foster a safe, clean atmosphere.
“We needed people to feel comfortable,” said Michael Karaman, President of James Free Jewelers, in an interview with National Jeweler.
Developed by Extreme Microbial Technology (EMT), the air and surface purification technology is installed in the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
An EMT employee installing the microbial technology system in James Free Jewelers’ store
The proprietary tech cleans via a two-step process, creating high energy clusters and hydrogen peroxide gas inside the HVAC system that then “seek out and attack” microbes in the store, according to a press release.
The system is continuously ionizing the hydrogen peroxide gas in the airspace, explained CEO Randall Mount in an interview with National Jeweler, so it’s always cleaning.
The chemical composition does not have an adverse effect on the jewelry, said Mount.
The system operates silently and leaves behind a clean, fresh scent.
EMT's tech reaches areas that may be missed by chemical cleaning solutions, destroying bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, fungi and odor-causing contaminants, according to the press release.
“Even the best filters only affect the air flowing directly through the filter itself, which means many microbes are left untreated,” said Mount in the press release.
He added that filters can be expensive and may turn into a new source of contamination if they’re not changed as directed.
Karaman has been letting his customers know about the new sanitation procedure via email and the James Free Jewelers website.
“We have enough headache outside,” he said, adding that he wants his store to be as welcoming as possible for both his customers and his employees.
Since installing the system, Karaman said his employees have felt more comfortable coming to work and his business has seen an uptick in sales as well.
Even with the new system, he adds “we clean constantly, all day.”
“Selecting fine jewelry is a hands-on process,” said Dave Tellmann, director of marketing for James Free Jewelers, in a press release.
While each piece of jewelry is cleaned before and after a customer handles it, the new technology is an “added step” to making the shopping experience a comfortable one, said Tellmann.
The store has hand sanitizer stations and offers free masks to customers. It has also implemented “stringent” cleaning policies and uses gloves to process payments.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Curbside pick-up and contactless home delivery are also available.
The cost of installing the system depends on the cubic footage of the store, but runs between $5,000 to $10,000, said Mount.
James Free Jeweler’s 15,000 square foot location cost $10,000 while the 8,000 square foot location cost $6,000, said Karaman.
But the peace of mind it’s brought, Karaman said, is priceless.
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMOFGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to MiamiThe 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
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.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
