(NEW YORK) – Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses in the fine jewelry marketplace, announced the recipients of the inaugural Jewelers of America Impact Initiative, a multifaceted program dedicated to fostering the growth and sustainability of the jewelry industry. Six jewelry trade associations were selected to receive funding for projects that support the industry’s critical need for education, increasing access to the jewelry trade, enhancing ethical practices and environmental responsibility and advancing innovation. The associations selected had a diverse range of programming and served a mix of localized and global audiences.
“We believe in the power of community, education and empowerment. The applicants for our first Impact Initiative share our goal to make the jewelry industry stronger. We are proud to support the six organizations and look forward to seeing their collective programs create meaningful change,” says JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
The Jewelers of America Impact Initiative recipients and projects are:
BIJC Education Fund, Future Jewelers Academy
The BIJC Education Fund created the Future Jewelers Academy (FJA) in 2024 to empower youth from underrepresented communities through education and community in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry. By providing hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill development, the FJA aims to ignite passion, cultivate creativity, and unlock career pathways in this vibrant field. FJA aims to preserve the traditional crafts of silversmithing, goldsmithing, and jewelry design by nurturing a new wave of skilled artisans, securing the future of jewelry-making.
Diamonds Do Good
Diamonds Do Good was founded in 2007 and is a nonprofit organization that shares the positive impact of natural diamonds in communities where they are mined, cut, and polished. Diamonds Do Good bridges the gap between consumers and the communities behind the product by highlighting real stories of education, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship funded by the natural diamond industry. Diamonds Do Good provides a platform for the diamond industry to demonstrate its commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility.
Jewelers’ Security Alliance, JSA Security Certification Program for the Jewelry Industry
For over 142 years, JSA has protected the jewelry industry against crime. JSA will launch a nationwide security certification program designed to address the critical safety challenges facing jewelers today. The initiative will establish industry-standard security credentials through comprehensive training in physical security, digital asset protection, robbery prevention, and emergency response protocols. JSA will leverage its partnerships with law enforcement to incorporate the latest crime prevention techniques and real-world case studies. JSA aims to reduce violent incidents of crime while contributing to the professional standards of the jewelry industry.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Legal Essentials for Jewelry Designers Guide
Jewelers Vigilance Committee was established in 1917 and provides legal education and compliance guidance to the jewelry industry. JVC is looking to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly legal guide for jewelry designers, offering clear information about the laws and guidelines that affect their work. The guide will address the legal nuts and bolts of starting a business, basic intellectual property issues, sections on anti-money laundering, responsible sourcing, compliance with the FTC’s Jewelry and Green Guides, as well as other important issues. The guide will give designers the basic legal knowledge they need to bring their creations to the marketplace compliantly and grow their businesses in a sustainable, ethical fashion.
Providence Jewelers Club, Advancing Craftsmanship: Educational Opportunities for Bench Jewelers and Watchmakers
Providence Jewelers Club has been maintaining communication among its members since 1952. To encourage continued growth of jewelers in the area, PJC will provide scholarships to expand educational opportunities, specifically for bench jewelers, and watchmakers – two critical, highly skilled sectors of the jewelry industry facing a significant shortage of trained professionals. The goal is to attract new talent, upskill current professionals, and ensure the longevity and excellence of the jewelry and watch industries.
Texas Jewelers Association, Elevating Excellence: GIA Sessions at the Texas Jewelers Association Fall Conference
The Texas Jewelers Association (TJA) was founded in 1906, serving as a catalyst for a thriving jewelry sector in the Lone Star State. TJA will host a full day of GIA Sessions at the TJA Fall Conference in Austin, TX. This initiative will elevate the professional development, technical expertise, and ethical standards of jewelry professionals. Led by instructors from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the Sessions will offer hands-on and lecture-based education meeting the needs of retailers, appraisers, designers, and gemologists. The Sessions will be open to all conference attendees, reinforcing Jewelers of America’s and TJA’s shared commitment to promoting lifelong learning, transparency, and industry excellence.
The Jewelers of America Impact Initiative is a key part of the association’s three-year strategic plan that prioritizes development in key areas that make up the organization’s identity: energize and serve the member community, advance education, and amplify advocacy.
Applications were accepted through April 29, 2025. Funds were awarded to organizations or companies based on programs, potential reach and need. For further information, visit https://www.jewelers.org/about/industry-impact/impact-initiative or contact Jewelers of America’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673 or members@jewelers.org.
