The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
In the Wake of Irma, JA Expands Relief Efforts
Jewelers of America has created the Jewelers Disaster Relief Fund, which collect money for independents impacted by any natural disasters.
New York--Following Irma, the second major hurricane to hit the United States in as many weeks, Jewelers of America has announced that it’s expanding the scope of its disaster relief efforts.
Originally, Jewelers of America, along with this publication and the Diamond Council of America, created a fund to aid independent jewelers impacted by the unprecedented flooding in Houston following Hurricane Harvey.
This week, after seeing the damage done by Irma and the ongoing wildfires in the West, the trade association decided there was a need for a general, permanent disaster relief for the jewelry industry, noting that, “Many independent businesses are being affected not only by damage, but by loss of income from closures.”
JA reached out to other organizations, including the American Gem Society, the American Gem Trade Association, the Jewelers Security Alliance and the major buying groups, and asked them to join the new Jewelers Disaster Relief Fund.
After the fund was created, JA said that JCK Events reached out to them and asked to join. Emerald Expositions, which owns the JA New York and Couture shows, among others, agreed to join as well.
The fund is run by JA but administered by the DCA, which JA entered into an affiliation agreement with earlier this year. Any contributions are tax deductible.
Of the money raised so far, $5,130--the amount donated prior to the creation of the general disaster relief fund--will be earmarked for the Houston jewelers who have contacted JA indicating they need aid in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
Going forward, the fund will remain open, collecting donations that then will be distributed to independent jewelers impacted by Irma, the wildfires and future natural disasters.
Right now, jewelers who wish to apply for aid can do so here, though JA noted that a more formal application process is in the works.
Any questions should be directed to the JA membership team at 800-223-0673 or Members@jewelers.org.
Other organizations working to raise money in the wake of Harvey include LovePendants, Rembrandt Charms and Jewelers for Children.
The Latest
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.