Jewelers of America Announces Recipients of 2026 Impact Initiative

NEW YORK — Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses in the fine jewelry marketplace, has announced the recipients of the Jewelers of America Impact Initiative, a program dedicated to fostering the growth and sustainability of the jewelry industry. Eight jewelry trade associations were selected to receive funding for projects that support education, increasing access to the jewelry trade, enhancing ethical practices and environmental responsibility, and advancing innovation, according to the association.

“Jewelers of America is proud to collaborate with other associations and support the programs that will make our industry stronger. The applicants for this year’s funding showed the grit of our industry and we are proud to increase our level of support to eight organizations. Each program aligns with our strategic plan and we know that together, we will make meaningful impact,” says JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.

The Jewelers of America Impact Initiative recipients and projects for 2026 are:

92NY: 92NY looks to expand its Teen Gems program, a free jewelry arts training initiative for New York City high school students that supports the next generation of jewelry artists, designers, and industry leaders. The program provides instruction, mentorship, and financial stipends intended to remove barriers to participation and encourage consistent engagement.

DCA: DCA provides jewelry retail professionals with distance education courses toward expertise and credentials. Citing what it describes as a documented workforce crisis in the U.S. jewelry industry, DCA is looking to grow Second Spark, its workforce initiative, recruiting veterans and returning-to-work parents into credentialed jewelry sales careers.

Diamond Club West Coast: Diamond Club West Coast supports the jewelry industry through education, collaboration, security awareness, and community partnerships. Faced with challenges from theft and related crime, the organization is working to improve safety within the LA Jewelry District by strengthening the crime-solving tools available to the LAPD Central Station.

Diamonds Do Good: Diamonds Do Good supports communities where natural diamonds are mined, cut, polished, and sold, while advancing consumer understanding of what it describes as the positive social, economic, and environmental impact of natural diamonds. The organization aims to provide jewelry professionals with “My Diamond Did Good” tools to help deliver verified stories of how natural diamonds support communities around the world.

Future Jewelers Academy: Future Jewelers Academy was created to address the workforce shortage within the U.S. jewelry industry by building training pathways for high school students and young adults interested in skilled trade careers. Since launching in 2024 at the Brooklyn STEAM Center and Baldwin High School, Future Jewelers Academy is entering a growth phase focused on workforce readiness and industry connection, with a Summer Learning Pathway at Brooklyn STEAM Center and new programs launching in White Plains and Hempstead, NY.

Georgia Jewelers Association: The Georgia Jewelers Association is a nonprofit whose mission is to promote and protect the welfare of retail jewelers in Georgia. Citing member feedback about a lack of bench jewelers, the association is creating a “Tools in Hand: Community Outreach for Bench Jeweler Employment” program. It will promote bench jeweler careers in local high schools, job fairs, employment websites, and social media groups by putting tools, gold, and gemstones into the hands of young people.

Jewelers Security Alliance: Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) works to protect the jewelry industry against crime. According to JSA, in the past two years the jewelry industry and luxury goods sector have suffered ransomware attacks, business email compromise attacks, social engineering attacks, payment card fraud, and ghost tapping. With the industry facing an increasing number of cybersecurity threats, JSA is expanding its threat intelligence and training to help the jewelry industry protect itself against cybercrime and respond and recover when businesses are victimized.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee: Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) is a nonprofit trade organization that provides legal education and compliance guidance to the jewelry industry. JVC will develop a guide for the industry, “Everything You Need to Know About Plated, Filled, Vermeil, Electroplated and Alternative Metal Jewelry.” The guide will give makers the tools they need to understand these products and explain them to their customers.

The Jewelers of America Impact Initiative is part of the association’s strategic plan, which prioritizes serving the member community, advancing education, and amplifying advocacy.

Applications were accepted through May 18, 2026. Funds were awarded to organizations or companies based on programs, potential reach, and need. The Jewelers of America Impact Initiative Committee was comprised of David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America; Coleman Clark, BC Clark; Molly Fallon, Jewelers of America; Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America; Sue Hopeman, Robbins Brothers; Sheryl Jones, Sheryl Jones Jewelry; and Ulrich Wohn, Victorinox.

For further information, visit jewelers.org/about/industry-impact/impact-initiative or contact Jewelers of America’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673 or members@jewelers.org.