The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
JA’s PAC launches awards
Jewelers of America announced last week that it would introduce the JA Political Action Committee Awards to recognize individual members who make contributions to support the organization’s legislative advocacy for the fine jewelry industry.
New York--Jewelers of America announced last week that it would introduce the JA Political Action Committee Awards to recognize individual members who make contributions to support the organization’s legislative advocacy for the fine jewelry industry.
There will be different levels of recognition based on contribution amounts. They are as follows:
-- For an annual gift of $1 to $499, members will receive a JAPAC Certificate of Recognition.
-- For an annual gift of $500 to $1,999, they will receive a JAPAC Certificate of Recognition and a sterling silver JAPAC pin.
-- For an annual gift of $2,000 to $3,499, they will get a JAPAC Certificate of Recognition and a sterling silver and gemstone pin.
-- For an annual gift of $3,500 to $5,000--the maximum amount contributors can give per year--members will receive a JAPAC Certificate of Recognition and sterling silver pin with multiple gemstones.
All contributions from JA members must be received before Dec. 31, 2014 in order to be eligible for the awards. According to the organization, there will be a recognition ceremony, the details of which will be released at a later date.
“In 2014, a year that will be critical in terms of the legislative landscape, we are looking to expand the reach of the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee,” said Susan Thea Posnock, JA’s director of public affairs and education. “That’s critical, since every day legislators make decisions that impact businesses, including jewelers. We have to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to legislation which could hurt our industry.”
“The jewelry industry’s support of JAPAC will help ensure jewelers have a collective voice on Capitol Hill, and Jewelers of America can now gratefully acknowledge those JA members who support JAPAC with an awards pin.”
More information about the JA Political Action Committee can be found on the JA website or by contacting Sharie Fogarty through email at sfogarty@jewelers.org or by phone at 646-658-5813.
Jewelers of America’s Political Action Committee is the only PAC that supports the fine retail jewelry industry in Washington. Through it, employees of JA member firms can join with other jewelry industry professionals to back candidates for federal office who support the interests of the jewelry industry.
The Latest

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.


NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.





















