U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
Retail Orgs Urge Federal Help in Letter to White House
JA, JVC and WJA were among ninety organizations asking for the swift passage of a stimulus package to keep businesses afloat amid the coronavirus crisis.
Washington, D.C.—The retail industry is asking the White House for help, and quickly, in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Retail is the largest private sector employer, with one in four workers either directly or indirectly involved, and as such is being hit hard by social distancing and mandatory store closures across the country.
To encourage quick help from the federal government, 90 retail trade organizations have sent a joint letter to President Trump urging a quick response to help businesses survive.
It starts by applauding the administration and Congress for their efforts to minimize the fallout from the virus but quickly goes on to talk about the struggles faced by the retail industry at this time.
“The biggest single issue facing the industry right now is liquidity, and federal stimulus efforts must be swift and flexible enough to address the urgent need for access to credit to keep these businesses afloat,” it said.
It has been signed by trade organizations Jewelers of America, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the Women’s Jewelry Association and the Tri State Jewelers Association, as well as such organizations as the National Retail Federation, state retailer groups, the Accessories Council, Council of Fashion Designers of America and the Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Trade Association, among many others.
The letter offers data provided by the NRF, which predicts the U.S. retail sector could see a reduction of 20 percent or more in sales over a three-month period—based on comparable declines in China—resulting in a total estimated loss of $429.9 billion and putting millions of jobs at risk.
“Federal relief is paramount in the fight to protect our members and their employees. We will continue to advocate for our members together with other industry associations to amplify our voices at the national level,” WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas said in a press release about the letter.
David Bonaparte, president & CEO of Jewelers of America, said: “Our fight to protect retailers is more important than ever. Jewelers of America is fully committed to giving our members a voice during this challenging time and by joining forces, our collective voice will be heard.”
The letter encouraged a plan from the government that addresses the concerns of businesses of all kinds and sizes and provides a “bridge” to help them stay alive during the crisis.
The White House and Senate struck a deal early Wednesday morning regarding
Called “the largest rescue package in American history,” full details of the package have yet to be released but news outlets have reported it does provide direct payments to individuals and families, small business loans, unemployment insurance benefits and loans for distressed companies.
The Senate will reconvene at noon Wednesday and is expected to pass the stimulus later in the day.
The Latest

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.


“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.