Policies & Issues

Trade groups unite to form US Jewelry Council

Policies & IssuesOct 15, 2015

Trade groups unite to form US Jewelry Council

Nine associations have come together to create the United States Jewelry Council, enabling them to work together more closely to represent the interests of the U.S. jewelry industry.

New York--Nine U.S. jewelry associations have come together to create the United States Jewelry Council, enabling them to work together more closely to represent the interests of the U.S. jewelry industry both here and abroad.

The nine organizations that comprise the council are as follows.
--American Gem Society
--Diamond Council of America
--Diamond Bourse of the Southeast United States
--Diamond Dealers Club of New York
--Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America
--Indian Diamond and Colored Stone Association
--Jewelers of America
--Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America
--Natural Color Diamond Association

Together, these organizations’ memberships represent the vast majority of the U.S. jewelry industry.

Under this new council, they’ll work to represent the industry on a wide range of issues including environmental mining standards, factory working conditions, full and proper disclosure of all relevant information before a sale (type of stone, weight, metal quality, etc.), anti-money laundering regulations and the Kimberley Process.

The council, in fact, is a member of the World Diamond Council, the body that represents the diamond industry in the KP. 

Leading the council will be newly elected President Ronnie Vanderlinden, a New York-based diamantaire who is also president of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America.

Jewelers of America President and CEO David J. Bonaparte is the treasurer while Ruth Batson, CEO of American Gem Society and AGS Labs, has been elected secretary.

James Evans Lombe, director of ethical initiatives for JA, has been appointed as the council’s CEO.

Commenting on the formation of the council, Vanderlinden said, “The success or failure of U.S.-based jewelry businesses--and the entire diamond and jewelry supply chain--is in large part dependent on a healthy representation of U.S. businesses in the national and global arena. These challenges on the national and global scale are more than an individual association can handle alone. The U.S. industry needs a coordinated effort to ensure we can protect consumer confidence in our product and have a say on policies that affect the livelihoods of our members.”

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Kirsty Hume models Pippa Small Venus collection
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ Collection

Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.

Pomellato Pom Pom Dot necklaces
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1

The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.

Stock image of police crime scene tape
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.

Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Aerial shot of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues

The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s Day

Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Hannoush Jewelers Queensbury NY location
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York

Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.

203-carat, 116-carat, and 42-carat diamond
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024

A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.

William Ruser: The Jeweler Who Charmed Hollywood book cover
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William Ruser

Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo modeling Jacquie Aiche’s Rebel Heart collection
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo

The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.

American Gem Society Conclave logo 2024
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.

Virtual Diamond Boutique
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’

The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.

Signet Jewelers employees and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.

Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace

A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

China Pearl collage
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China Pearl

The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.

Printed and digital AGS Ideal grading reports
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed Form

From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.

Stock image of a polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty

De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.

LVAJWS24_carousel_images_1872x1052_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Kelly Yoch
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly Yoch

The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.

Interior of TAG Heuer Boutique on Carnival Cruise Ship
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at Sea

The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.

John Carter, 2024 Shipley Award winner
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is …

John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.

Visual from Tiffany & Co.’s With Love Since 1837 campaign
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%

LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.

 B&D ribbon cutting in RI
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New Headquarters

B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Model Wearing Eat Cake Collection
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ Collection

It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy