PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
IndependentsAug 27, 2020
What to Do Before and After a Hurricane
As Hurricane Laura makes its way north, Berkley Asset Protection and Jewelers Mutual Group offer 26 tips for jewelers on preparing for, and dealing with, major storms.
Hurricane Laura made landfall early Thursday morning on the Texas-Louisiana border. As it moves north, here are tips for jewelers in its path on how to protect their stores, employees and goods. (Photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
New York—Hurricane Laura made landfall early Thursday morning near the Texas-Louisiana border.
The Category 4 storm is the second named hurricane of the year, following Hurricane Hanna in late July.
After “rapid intensification” over a 24-hour period into Wednesday, Laura lashed the coast with 140-mile-per-hour winds when it hit land.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the massive storm was downgraded to a Category 2 by Thursday morning but still had sustained winds of more than 100 mph and is expected to cause “catastrophic damage.”
Through the week, NOAA expects Laura to move up the Texas-Louisiana border and into Arkansas before heading east, through southeast Missouri, northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky.
Insurance companies Berkley Asset Protection and Jewelers Mutual Group offer tips to help retailers that are in the storm’s path prepare.
1. Stock up on emergency supplies if you haven’t already. This includes plywood for windows if there are no shutters, as well as mops, brooms, tarpaulins to cover key equipment and sandbags.
2. Keep an eye on TV, radio and online to monitor weather conditions and the issuing of watches and/or warnings.
3. Test generators, emergency lighting, uninterruptible power source equipment and sump pumps to make sure they’re functioning properly.
4. Put items that could be picked up by wind, such as store signs and outdoor furniture, inside the building.
5. Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have the latter, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
6. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
7. Store jewelry inventory in the safe or in a bank.
8. Make sure the computer system is fully backed up and that a copy of key information—like inventory records, repairs, vendors, year-to-date sales, vendors and contacts—has been made to be kept in a safe place away from the store. Jewelers Mutual has a checklist of such material in its Hurricane Preparedness Guide.
9. Charge cell phones and download a weather app, like NOAA Now or NOAA Weather.
10. Give both your staff and local law enforcement your cell phone number.
11. Cover computers, machinery, supplies and other areas with tarps. Avoid storing materials on the floor if they could be damaged by water.
12. Fill your car’s gas tank and get extra cash out.
13. Create an evacuation plan and communicate it to your team, business neighbors and family members. Learn safe routes to travel inland.
14.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Leave early, during daylight hours if possible. Be careful to avoid roads that are flooded or washed out.
15. Since most business insurance plans don’t cover flooding, consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, which must be purchased in advance.
16. Do not go near standing water or moving water, or attempt to drive across flowing water.
Berkley Asset Protection and Jewelers Mutual Group also have 10 tips for retailers that apply to after a hurricane has come through.
1. Do not return to the area until the authorities say it is safe to do so.
2. Survey for damage and take pictures of any damage to the building and its contents.
3. Contact your security company and insurance agent as soon as possible to report damage and review next steps.
4. Check for downed power lines and exposed electrical lines. Report loose or dangling power lines to the local utility company, police or fire department.
5. Before utilities are turned back on, check for gas leaks, look for electrical system damage and check for sewage and water line damage.
6. Complete temporary and immediate repairs to minimize hazards and ensure the building can be safely accessed.
7. Remove all debris as soon as the adjuster has been contacted, and separate damaged property from undamaged property, taking care to protect the latter.
8. Use the telephone only for emergency calls, keep abreast of the current situation, and account for all employees.
9. Critique your pre- and post-storm actions to find strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments for the next emergency.
10. As you are setting up the store again, don’t forget to take COVID-19 protocols into account.
“Remember that COVID didn’t go away just because Laura showed up. You should still be taking the necessary precautions—wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing,” said Andrew Chipman, vice president of jewelers block at Berkley Asset Protection.
For additional help from either company, visit BerkleyAssetPro.com or JewelersMutual.com.
15. Since most business insurance plans don’t cover flooding, consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, which must be purchased in advance.
16. Do not go near standing water or moving water, or attempt to drive across flowing water.
Berkley Asset Protection and Jewelers Mutual Group also have 10 tips for retailers that apply to after a hurricane has come through.
1. Do not return to the area until the authorities say it is safe to do so.
2. Survey for damage and take pictures of any damage to the building and its contents.
3. Contact your security company and insurance agent as soon as possible to report damage and review next steps.
4. Check for downed power lines and exposed electrical lines. Report loose or dangling power lines to the local utility company, police or fire department.
5. Before utilities are turned back on, check for gas leaks, look for electrical system damage and check for sewage and water line damage.
6. Complete temporary and immediate repairs to minimize hazards and ensure the building can be safely accessed.
7. Remove all debris as soon as the adjuster has been contacted, and separate damaged property from undamaged property, taking care to protect the latter.
8. Use the telephone only for emergency calls, keep abreast of the current situation, and account for all employees.
9. Critique your pre- and post-storm actions to find strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments for the next emergency.
10. As you are setting up the store again, don’t forget to take COVID-19 protocols into account.
“Remember that COVID didn’t go away just because Laura showed up. You should still be taking the necessary precautions—wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing,” said Andrew Chipman, vice president of jewelers block at Berkley Asset Protection.
For additional help from either company, visit BerkleyAssetPro.com or JewelersMutual.com.
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
