IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes OffThe New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”
SourcingFeb 01, 2018
EPA Reverses Course on Proposed Alaska Gold Mine
The Environmental Protection Agency said it is pressing pause on a plan to do away with Obama-era restrictions on mining in the Bristol Bay watershed.
Washington--The Environmental Protection Agency issued a statement Friday that it is pressing pause on its plan to do away with Obama-era restrictions on mining in Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed, a move that’s being applauded by opponents of the proposed Pebble gold mine.
But, the EPA said it would still consider permit applications for mines at the site, though it noted that any permit application “must clear a high bar, because EPA believes the risk to Bristol Bay may be unacceptable.”
In his statement, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said: “We have restored process, reviewed comments, and heard from a variety of stakeholders on whether to withdraw the proposed restrictions in the Bristol Bay watershed. Based on that review, it is my judgment at this time that any mining projects in the region likely pose a risk to the abundant natural resources that exist there. Until we know the full extent of that risk, those natural resources and world-class fisheries deserve the utmost protection. Today’s action allows EPA to get the information needed to determine what specific impacts the proposed mining project will have on those critical resources.”
The decision is a reversal of the EPA’s actions from last year, when it settled an ongoing lawsuit filed against it by Pebble Limited Partnership, the company that wants to build the gold mine, and then began the process of doing away with the restrictions placed on mining in the area under the Obama administration.
Alaska Gov. Scott Walker, United Tribes of Bristol Bay and jeweler Tiffany & Co. all issued statements in support of the EPA’s decision.
Tiffany has long been an opponent of the Pebble mine, which was originally proposed as North America’s largest open-pit gold and copper mine, though plans for the mine have since been scaled back.
The jeweler was among the first major retailers to speak out against Pebble when the issue arose a decade ago.
Then under the leadership of Michael Kowalski, an avid fly-fisherman who’s visited the area, Tiffany vowed never to make jewelry out of gold sourced from the mine and held screenings of the anti-Pebble documentary “Red Gold” for its board and the media. The documentary’s title refers to the value the local population places on the millions of sockeye salmon who run the watershed every year.
A number of other jewelry retailers including Zale Corp. (then independent of Signet) followed Tiffany’s
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
lead, signing a pledge to boycott gold from Pebble.
On Thursday, Tiffany took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post applauding the EPA’s decision.
The ad reads in part: “Tiffany & Co. has long been a vocal opponent of the proposed Pebble Mine, believing it poses a dire threat to the remarkable Bristol Bay ecosystem, and the world’s most productive salmon fishery it sustains.
“It is a belief widely shared by Alaskans, commercial and sport fishermen, Bristol Bay residents, and even many of our fellow jewelers whose livelihoods depend on mining. Our 180 years of experience sourcing precious metals and gemstones tells us there are certain places where mining should simply never occur. Alaska’s Bristol Bay is one such place.”
Pebble CEO Tom Collier said in a statement that the EPA’s recent decision “does not change our approach.”
“We filed our permit application for review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the National Environmental Policy Act,” he said. “The USACE has determined we have a complete application and has initiated a thorough, objective review of the Pebble Project. We intend to participate fully in the process and encourage all project stakeholders to do the same.”
Spokesman Michael Heatwole also pointed to the portion of the statement from EPA Administrator Pruitt that reads: “This decision neither deters nor derails the application process of PLP’s proposed project. The project proponents continue to enjoy the protection of due process and the right to proceed.”
On Thursday, Tiffany took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post applauding the EPA’s decision.
The ad reads in part: “Tiffany & Co. has long been a vocal opponent of the proposed Pebble Mine, believing it poses a dire threat to the remarkable Bristol Bay ecosystem, and the world’s most productive salmon fishery it sustains.
“It is a belief widely shared by Alaskans, commercial and sport fishermen, Bristol Bay residents, and even many of our fellow jewelers whose livelihoods depend on mining. Our 180 years of experience sourcing precious metals and gemstones tells us there are certain places where mining should simply never occur. Alaska’s Bristol Bay is one such place.”
Pebble CEO Tom Collier said in a statement that the EPA’s recent decision “does not change our approach.”
“We filed our permit application for review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the National Environmental Policy Act,” he said. “The USACE has determined we have a complete application and has initiated a thorough, objective review of the Pebble Project. We intend to participate fully in the process and encourage all project stakeholders to do the same.”
Spokesman Michael Heatwole also pointed to the portion of the statement from EPA Administrator Pruitt that reads: “This decision neither deters nor derails the application process of PLP’s proposed project. The project proponents continue to enjoy the protection of due process and the right to proceed.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, RobbedThe latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster RestorationThe new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2025
Take the Jewelers for Children ‘Trinity of Purpose’ ChallengeParticipants who attend any three Rings of Strength events will be awarded a special medal.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry RetailSmith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ EarringsThe counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally RecognizedThe MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division ManagerCasio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on PointOriginally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.
Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearAllison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
