AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
IndependentsJun 16, 2020
James Free Jewelers Installs Anti-Microbial Tech
The jeweler turned to new technology to make customers feel safe returning to its stores amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
James Free Jewelers’ Cincinnati location. The jeweler’s two stores in Ohio now feature anti-microbial technology as part of its enhanced cleaning protocols amid COVID-19. (Image courtesy of James Free Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Cincinnati—As stores begin to reopen, retailers are going to new lengths to ensure customers their locations are a safe place to shop.
James Free Jewelers installed new anti-microbial technology in both of its Ohio stores to foster a safe, clean atmosphere.
“We needed people to feel comfortable,” said Michael Karaman, President of James Free Jewelers, in an interview with National Jeweler.
Developed by Extreme Microbial Technology (EMT), the air and surface purification technology is installed in the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
An EMT employee installing the microbial technology system in James Free Jewelers’ store
The proprietary tech cleans via a two-step process, creating high energy clusters and hydrogen peroxide gas inside the HVAC system that then “seek out and attack” microbes in the store, according to a press release.
The system is continuously ionizing the hydrogen peroxide gas in the airspace, explained CEO Randall Mount in an interview with National Jeweler, so it’s always cleaning.
The chemical composition does not have an adverse effect on the jewelry, said Mount.
The system operates silently and leaves behind a clean, fresh scent.
EMT's tech reaches areas that may be missed by chemical cleaning solutions, destroying bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, fungi and odor-causing contaminants, according to the press release.
“Even the best filters only affect the air flowing directly through the filter itself, which means many microbes are left untreated,” said Mount in the press release.
He added that filters can be expensive and may turn into a new source of contamination if they’re not changed as directed.
Karaman has been letting his customers know about the new sanitation procedure via email and the James Free Jewelers website.
“We have enough headache outside,” he said, adding that he wants his store to be as welcoming as possible for both his customers and his employees.
Since installing the system, Karaman said his employees have felt more comfortable coming to work and his business has seen an uptick in sales as well.
Even with the new system, he adds “we clean constantly, all day.”
“Selecting fine jewelry is a hands-on process,” said Dave Tellmann, director of marketing for James Free Jewelers, in a press release.
While each piece of jewelry is cleaned before and after a customer handles it, the new technology is an “added step” to making the shopping experience a comfortable one, said Tellmann.
The store has hand sanitizer stations and offers free masks to customers. It has also implemented “stringent” cleaning policies and uses gloves to process payments.
Curbside pick-up and contactless home delivery are also available.
The cost of installing the system depends on the cubic footage of the store, but runs between $5,000 to $10,000, said Mount.
James Free Jeweler’s 15,000 square foot location cost $10,000 while the 8,000 square foot location cost $6,000, said Karaman.
But the peace of mind it’s brought, Karaman said, is priceless.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
