IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
Events & AwardsMar 13, 2018
What Every Business Needs to Know About Harassment
At JA New York, former Jewelers Vigilance Committee CEO Cecilia Gardner talked employee rights and how to protect one’s business from litigation.
New York--Employers are on the losing end of most lawsuits brought by employees, Cecilia Gardner said, but there are many things businesses can do to prevent issues before they arise.
Gardner, former president and CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, addressed an audience gathered Monday at the JA New York Spring show for an education session titled “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Tools for Employees and Businesses.”
Gardner explained that several federal laws prohibit harassment, a form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, as well as other protected characteristics.
Comments, jokes, online postings, or any conduct that targets employees based on one or more of the above characteristics is considered hostile environment harassment.
And it’s not just the people at the top who are responsible for this type of conduct; employees can bring a lawsuit against a company if they’re experiencing harassment from anyone, including co-workers, customers and vendors, she said.
If the harassment creates a work environment for an employee that a reasonable person would find hostile, intimidating or offensive, then it’s illegal and opens employers up to a lawsuit that they will likely lose.
Gardner emphasized that in harassment situations, the power lies with the employee, or whoever takes legal action. Anyone who witnesses harassment and is offended by it can also file a suit. The average award for these claims is $150,000.
However, petty slights, annoyances or isolated incidents—unless severe—are unlikely to succeed in court, she said.
What Businesses Can Do to Prevent Lawsuits
Gardner emphasized that if companies have clear and oft-stated policies prohibiting harassment in any form, and foster an environment where employees feel safe to speak to their managers, they can avoid situations severe enough to result in legal action.
Here are a few tips:
-- Develop an anti-discrimination and harassment policy that both defines and prohibits harassment;
-- Outline steps for employees to take if they feel they have experienced discrimination or unwelcome behavior and, most importantly, to report it to management as soon as possible;
-- Prohibit any type of retaliation for reporting misconduct in the company’s policy;
-- Communicate these policies to vendors working with the business;
-- Include the policies in an employee handbook that employees read and sign;
-- When employees come
to management, for any issue, hear and address their concerns; and
-- Hire and fire carefully by outlining a clear procedure for firing employees, documenting why they are being let go and sticking to that procedure.
A full example of an employee handbook with all policies and information that should be included is available on the Jewelers Vigilance Committee website.
As for employees who experience harassment and/or discrimination, Gardner advised the following.
-- Consider safety first and remove yourself from an uncomfortable situation.
-- Tell the person the conduct is unwelcome.
-- Report the incident immediately to management or human resources.
-- If an employee questions whether conduct is harassment, bring it to management and discuss.
-- Document what happened, sign and date it, keep a copy and give one to management.
-- Tell someone else so you have a witness.
-- Hire and fire carefully by outlining a clear procedure for firing employees, documenting why they are being let go and sticking to that procedure.
A full example of an employee handbook with all policies and information that should be included is available on the Jewelers Vigilance Committee website.
As for employees who experience harassment and/or discrimination, Gardner advised the following.
-- Consider safety first and remove yourself from an uncomfortable situation.
-- Tell the person the conduct is unwelcome.
-- Report the incident immediately to management or human resources.
-- If an employee questions whether conduct is harassment, bring it to management and discuss.
-- Document what happened, sign and date it, keep a copy and give one to management.
-- Tell someone else so you have a witness.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
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.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
