CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
SurveysMay 03, 2019
Survey Shines a Light on Gender Issues in Jewelry Industry
It shows there is a gap between what goes on at companies and what gets reported to higher-ups, with employees often reticent to relay incidences of harassment, discrimination and inequality.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association just released the results of its first Gender Equality Survey, a survey it fielded last fall to gauge the prevalence of gender discrimination, sexual harassment and pay disparity in the jewelry industry.
Nearly 600 people, a mix of employees and owners, took the survey, which was conducted anonymously. Women comprised the majority of respondents, 91 percent of employees and 66 percent of owners.
Overall, the survey shows there is a gap between what goes on at companies and what gets reported to higher-ups. In many cases, employees are reticent to report incidences because they fear retaliation or have a negative impact on their standing in the company.
A total of 16 percent of employees who took the survey report they have been the target of unwanted sexual advances, but only 3 percent of owners said they’ve received complaints about such advances at their companies.
Twenty-three percent of employees have experienced sexual harassment, but only 5 percent of owners reported receiving harassment complaints.
Thirty percent said they’ve been denied equal opportunity for advancement, but, again, only 2 percent of owners said they’ve heard about it.
Thirty-eight percent of respondents—all female—said they have been affected by pay disparity but only 2 percent of owners said they’ve received complaints about unequal pay.
And half of all survey-takers reported having experienced a hostile work environment, defined in the survey as “conditions created by the gendered conduct of a boss, co-workers or others that unreasonably interfere with work performance or are intimidating or offensive.”
Thirty-nine percent said the hostile environment “affected [them] deeply,” but only 9 percent of owners said they’ve received complaints along those lines.
The survey also showed that in smaller companies (15 fewer employees or fewer), a significant percentage of employees and owners either don’t know what the company’s written policies are pertaining to discrimination, sexual harassment and gender equality, or, they reported, the company doesn’t have any.
A total of 52 percent of survey-takers who work for or own a company that has between one and five employees say they don’t know what the company’s gender-related policies are. And 44 percent of owners and 35 percent of employees in this group said their company doesn’t have a written policy.
Survey-takers who work for larger companies seem to have a better grasp on written policies involving harassment and discrimination, the survey shows.
Eighty-four
percent of respondents at companies with 301 to 1,000 employees and 92 percent at companies with 1,000-plus employees said they know what their companies’ policies are.
WJA deployed it first Gender Equality Survey worldwide and 586 people—240 employees and 346 owners/executives/board members/major shareholders—responded, 98 percent of whom were in the United States.
Here are some more facts about the survey-takers:
— More owners than employees responded, 59 percent versus 41 percent;
— A total of 70 percent of owners and 62 percent of employees have been in the industry for more than 10 years;
— Many are age 50 or older, including 69 percent of owners and 42 percent of employees;
— Seventy percent own small companies (15 or fewer workers); and
— Most worked it the retail end of the business.
WJA conducted the survey as a way to help the organization understand the most pressing gender-related issues in the jewelry industry and create programming around them.
Looking at the results of its first gender survey, WJA said it would provide training on negotiation and self-advocacy skills for employees who say they have been affected by pay disparity and/or denied equal opportunity for advancement, and offer bystander training, which involves teaching witnesses how to recognize, intervene and help victims of discrimination and harassment to report and seek support.
The organization also said it will be increasing the amount of training and materials it provides on gender-related workplace policies, particularly to the owners and employees of small businesses.
The training and materials will come in addition to the seminars WJA already has done at trade events and the online webinar on gender discrimination laws and regulations done in partnership with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
The full PDF of the WJA’s Gender Equality Survey can be seen here.
WJA deployed it first Gender Equality Survey worldwide and 586 people—240 employees and 346 owners/executives/board members/major shareholders—responded, 98 percent of whom were in the United States.
Here are some more facts about the survey-takers:
— More owners than employees responded, 59 percent versus 41 percent;
— A total of 70 percent of owners and 62 percent of employees have been in the industry for more than 10 years;
— Many are age 50 or older, including 69 percent of owners and 42 percent of employees;
— Seventy percent own small companies (15 or fewer workers); and
— Most worked it the retail end of the business.
WJA conducted the survey as a way to help the organization understand the most pressing gender-related issues in the jewelry industry and create programming around them.
Looking at the results of its first gender survey, WJA said it would provide training on negotiation and self-advocacy skills for employees who say they have been affected by pay disparity and/or denied equal opportunity for advancement, and offer bystander training, which involves teaching witnesses how to recognize, intervene and help victims of discrimination and harassment to report and seek support.
The organization also said it will be increasing the amount of training and materials it provides on gender-related workplace policies, particularly to the owners and employees of small businesses.
The training and materials will come in addition to the seminars WJA already has done at trade events and the online webinar on gender discrimination laws and regulations done in partnership with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
The full PDF of the WJA’s Gender Equality Survey can be seen here.
More on Surveys
The Latest
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
