CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop EarringsHeidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.
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
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New PresidentThe organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring ShowThis year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.
Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the SmithsonianRonald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice ChairmanKirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting MoneyThe company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, LayoffsPetra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on PinterestPinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.
MajorsFeb 19, 2025
Cartier Opens New Store Inside LAXThe boutique is the French luxury brand’s first airport store on the West Coast.
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande CollabThe store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We KnowBeginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’sAround 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers JewellersAssimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry SelectionsDesigns from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana SapphiresThe wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ StarThe “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ RingShow some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting EdgeAGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 CatalogMore than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s DayThis curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.
