Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
TrendsJun 12, 2020
Designers, Industry Members Create FIT Jewelry Design Endowment for Black Students
With an initial $50,000 endowment, it’s named for Art Smith, the leading midcentury black jewelry designer.
A combination of 50 jewelry designers, stores, and publicity and sales firms have partnered with FIT to provide scholarships for black students.
New York—Nationwide protests around inequality for black Americans sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody have inspired one group of jewelry industry members to take action in their own industry.
Spearheaded by jewelry sales and public relations firm For Future Reference and designer Brent Neale, a group of 50 brands have partnered with New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology on the Art Smith Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
The endowment will create scholarships and mentorship opportunities for black students in the university’s esteemed jewelry design program.
The 50 companies involved so far have contibuted an initial $50,000. The endowment is accepting additional donations and will continue to do so in the future to provide ongoing support to black students.
The fund is named for Arthur “Art” Smith, one of jewelry’s most important midcentury modern designers.
Born to Jamaican parents in Cuba in 1917, Smith moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1920 and was one of only a few black students in his class at Cooper Union, where he studied sculpture.
He went on to work under black jewelry designer Winifred Mason, who served as a mentor, before opening his own downtown shop and studio.
During Smith’s career, he was featured in publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and was commissioned to design pieces for the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt.
He gathered in circles of New York’s most important black artists of the time, from various creative pursuits, like author James Baldwin, dancer and choreographer Tally Beatty, singer Lena Horne and painter Charles Sebree.
His work was the feature of several museum and gallery exhibitions, both during his lifetime and after his death in 1982.
Contributions to the endowment may be sent by check or wire. Contact Randi Molofsky for information on how to donate at randi@forfuturereference.com.
Spearheaded by jewelry sales and public relations firm For Future Reference and designer Brent Neale, a group of 50 brands have partnered with New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology on the Art Smith Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
The endowment will create scholarships and mentorship opportunities for black students in the university’s esteemed jewelry design program.
The 50 companies involved so far have contibuted an initial $50,000. The endowment is accepting additional donations and will continue to do so in the future to provide ongoing support to black students.
The fund is named for Arthur “Art” Smith, one of jewelry’s most important midcentury modern designers.
Born to Jamaican parents in Cuba in 1917, Smith moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1920 and was one of only a few black students in his class at Cooper Union, where he studied sculpture.
He went on to work under black jewelry designer Winifred Mason, who served as a mentor, before opening his own downtown shop and studio.
During Smith’s career, he was featured in publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and was commissioned to design pieces for the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt.
He gathered in circles of New York’s most important black artists of the time, from various creative pursuits, like author James Baldwin, dancer and choreographer Tally Beatty, singer Lena Horne and painter Charles Sebree.
His work was the feature of several museum and gallery exhibitions, both during his lifetime and after his death in 1982.
Contributions to the endowment may be sent by check or wire. Contact Randi Molofsky for information on how to donate at randi@forfuturereference.com.
The brands and companies that contributed the founding $50,000 endowment are: Alex Sepkus, Andrea Fohrman, Andy Lif, Anita Ko, Anna Sheffield, Brent Neale, Briony Raymond, Buddha Mama, Cathy Waterman, Dana Rebecca Designs, Danielle Gadi PR + CNW Group, EF Collection, Emily P. Wheeler, Eriness, ETC…, For Future Reference, Harwell Godfrey, IHPR, Jacquie Aiche, Jamie Wolf, Jemma Wynne, Jennie Kwon, JewelsByMoksh, June Simmons Jewelry, Lauren K, Lizzie Mandler, M. Spalten Jewelry, Margo Siegel PR, Marissa Collections, Marla Aaron, Marlo Laz, Mateo, Maya Brenner, Melissa Kaye, Michelle Orman, Muse, Nak Armstrong, Nancy Newberg, Pamela Huizenga, Prounis, Retrouvai, Sarah Hendler, Sidney Garber, Sorellina, Spinelli Kilcollin, Stacked x Reservoir, Stephanie Gottlieb, Twist, Walters Faith and Zoe Chicco.
More on Trends
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
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.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
