SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
CrimeAug 07, 2019
For the First Time, JSA Issues Bulletin on Active Shooters
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance shared recommendations from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following the mass shootings over the weekend that left 31 dead.
New York—For the first time in its 136-year history, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance has issued a bulletin providing recommendations for jewelers on what to do if their store or shopping plaza becomes the scene of a mass shooting.
JSA President John J. Kennedy told National Jeweler Tuesday that every time there has been a mass shooting in the United States in recent years, JSA has gotten a small number of inquires from members, calling up to ask: What do I do if this happens at my place of business?
That happened again this past Monday, after gunmen opened fire over the weekend in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, leaving a total of 31 dead and dozens wounded.
“This pair of incidents included the site of a retailer, so we viewed it as especially relevant,” Kennedy said.
The mass shooting in Dayton took place on a street in the city’s popular nightlife area, the Oregon District, in the early-morning hours of Sunday, but the El Paso shooting happened in the middle of the day at a Walmart store crowded with shoppers.
JSA said the recommendations it is sharing were reprinted verbatim from a reference guide issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It said jewelry industry employers should share the DHS’s recommendations with employees so everyone knows how to respond.
When there is an active shooter, the DHS says, there are three options: run, hide or fight, which is the least recommended and only to be resorted to “when your life is in imminent danger.”
Those who chose to run should:
Have an escape route and plan in mind;
Leave their belongings behind;
Go, regardless of whether others agree to follow;
Help others escape, if possible;
Prevent others from entering the area where the active shooter is or may be;
Avoid attempting to move anyone who’s wounded;
Keep their hands visible; and
Call 911 when they are safe.
If individuals chose to hide, they should:
Pick an area out of the shooter’s view;
Lock the door or block the entry to their hiding place;
Silence their cell phones (including turning off vibrate mode); and
Remain quiet.
Fighting is a “last resort,” DHS said, and those who chose to do so should:
Attempt to incapacitate the shooter;
Act with as much physical aggression as possible;
Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter; and
Commit to their actions, understanding their lives depend on it.
Those who are able to call 911 during a mass shooting should tell operators the location of the active shooter as well as the number of shooters and a physical description of them, the number and type of weapons they have, and provide a count of potential victims.
The DHS said the first officers to arrive on the scene will not stop to help anybody who is injured; that will be handled by rescue teams who follow the initial officers.
When law enforcement arrives, survivors are advised to:
Remain calm, follow instructions and do not ask questions when being evacuated;
Drop anything in their hands, raise their hands and spread their fingers;
Keep hands visible at all times; and
Avoid quick movements toward officers as well as pointing, yelling or screaming.
It added that those who survive a mass shooting will likely be held in an area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses identified and questioned. They should not leave until they are told they can.
For more information, it is recommended employers contact their local law enforcement authorities or FBI field office.
The DHS said the first officers to arrive on the scene will not stop to help anybody who is injured; that will be handled by rescue teams who follow the initial officers.
When law enforcement arrives, survivors are advised to:
Remain calm, follow instructions and do not ask questions when being evacuated;
Drop anything in their hands, raise their hands and spread their fingers;
Keep hands visible at all times; and
Avoid quick movements toward officers as well as pointing, yelling or screaming.
It added that those who survive a mass shooting will likely be held in an area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses identified and questioned. They should not leave until they are told they can.
For more information, it is recommended employers contact their local law enforcement authorities or FBI field office.
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
