This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Tips and checklists to be hurricane ready
Both Jewelers Mutual and Jewelers Unblocked have released hurricane preparedness guides, tips and other emergency-related checklists for jewelers as the stormy season begins.
Neenah, Wis.--Both Jewelers Mutual and Jewelers Unblocked have released hurricane preparedness guides, tips and other emergency-related checklists for jewelers as the stormy season begins.
s Hurricane Preparedness Guide provides jewelers with information including when to close a store and evacuate, what emergency documents and equipment to have on-hand, and how to store and back up data and records.
The guide also covers the dos and don’ts of before and after the storm, as well as tips for preparing and protecting a store or building and jewelry inventory.
In addition, Jewelers Mutual has created a business continuity plan and checklist, including emergency payroll, communication with customers and a management succession plan, and an emergency planning guide checklist t miss important steps.
Jewelers Unblocked also has put together tips on how jewelers can prepare their business for a hurricane, as well as actions to take prior to and during the disaster.
In preparing for a hurricane, Jewelers Unblocked says business owners should do the following.
--Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website for comprehensive information on hurricane preparedness.
--Research the area, assess the risks and know the store’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
--Know the hurricane risks, including the difference between a hurricane watch, which indicates that a hurricane is possible within 36 hours, and a hurricane warning, which means that a hurricane is expected in 24 hours.
Jewelers also should put the following actions in place prior to a hurricane.
--Put together a basic disaster supply kit and set it in a “grab-and-go” location.
--Disaster kit contents should include water, food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, whistle, garbage bags, can opener, local maps and cell phone with chargers or solar charger.
--Be prepared to shelter at the store for at least 24 hours.
--Make sure the store has an evacuation plan that is regularly practiced.
--Look at the heating, air conditioning and air ventilation systems to ensure they are secure and working properly, and be sure all employees know how to turn it off, if necessary.
--Local officials might require mandatory evacuations in some situations and advised evacuations in others. Consider protection options to evaluate whether or not to evacuate in non-mandatory situations; options for protection can be found here.
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.