AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
Policies & IssuesDec 22, 2020
Here’s What’s in the New COVID-19 Relief Bill
The bill includes $325 billion in funds for small businesses.
Congress passed a $908 billion COVID-19 relief bill Monday after months of negotiations.
Washington—Congress passed a $908 billion COVID-19 relief bill after months of back and forth over what it should include, marking the second largest relief bill passed since the CARES Act.
The bill passed in the House 359 to 53, then passed in the Senate in a 92-6 vote just before midnight.
Attached to the 5,600-page bill is a separate bill to avoid a government shutdown for seven days.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign in the next few days.
Here are five highlights of what’s in the long-awaited relief package.
There will be stimulus checks.
A second round of stimulus checks are on the way, accounting for $166 billion of the funds.
Each adult in a household will receive $600 as well as $600 for each dependent, rather than the $1,200 per adult and $500 per dependent in the first round, according to a summary of the bill.
Households where some adults, like noncitizens, were ineligible in the first round will receive payments in this round.
Payments will be based on 2019 income and will not be available to individuals with adjusted gross incomes over $75,000 and married couples over $150,000.
For those who didn’t qualify in the first round because their income at the time was too high and for those who have new dependents, additional funds can be requested when filing 2020 tax returns in 2021.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expects the first electronic payments to start going out by the beginning of next week.
Another round of Paycheck Protection Program loans is also on the way.
The bill includes $325 billion in funds for small businesses, including $284 billion for Paycheck Protection Program loans.
There is also $20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses in low-income communities.
There is another $3.5 billion for continued Small Business Administration debt relief payments and another $2 billion for other SBA lending enhancements.
Small and underserved businesses in low-income communities may also be eligible for $10,000 Small Business Administration grants.
Businesses that have received PPP loans will also be able to take tax deductions for the expenses covered by the forgiven loan.
The bill also extends and expands the refundable Employee Tax Retention Tax Credit through July 1, 2021.
Unemployment benefits will be extended.
The unemployed may be eligible for an extra 11 weeks of jobless benefits, through March 14, including a $300-per-week federal unemployment subsidy.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
It is available to all workers receiving unemployment benefits, though lower than the previous $600 subsidy, which expired in July.
Some self-employed and gig workers may be eligible to receive an additional $100 per week.
The bill extends the amount of time that workers can claim benefits through state and federal programs.
Most states typically provide 26 weeks of jobless benefits, as per a CNBC report.
More than 20 million Americans are currently collecting unemployment benefits, according to the Labor Department.
The federal eviction ban will also be extended.
The bill extends the federal eviction prohibition until the end of January 2021.
There will also be $25 billion in funds available for rental assistance.
The Treasury Department will allocate the money to states based on population.
Tenants may meet the eligibility requirements if they make less than 80 percent of the median income in their area, have someone in their household who has lost a job, or can show they may lose their home without assistance.
Landlords can apply on behalf of eligible tenants.
There are also funds for health care, schools, testing and tracing, and vaccine distribution.
The bill provides $9 billion for health care providers as well as $4.5 billion for mental health.
The National Institutes of Health will receive $1 billion to continue COVID-19 research.
Testing and tracing programs will receive $22 billion, including $2.5 billion for rural areas and communities of color.
As for vaccines, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will receive around $20 billion to provide the vaccine while the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention will receive $9 billion for vaccine distribution.
Another $3 billion will go toward the national stockpile and $300 million will be allocated to high-risk areas and communities of color.
Schools will receive a total $82 billion for public and private grade schools, high schools, and colleges. The majority of the money, $54.3 billion, will go to public schools.
“Clearly, there is more to be done –this is not a stimulus, this is an emergency survival bill, and we will fight for more relief under President Biden, because this crisis is not over,” said Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) in a statement.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
