Jewelers of America announces recipients of 2026 funding

The trade body for the US watch and jewelry industry, Jewelers of America (JA), has announced the list of recipients of its Impact Initiative.

The program is aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of the jewelry industry. In total, eight jewelry trade associations have been awarded funding for projects across education, access, ethical practices, environmental responsibility, and innovation.

“Jewelers of America is proud to collaborate with other associations and support the programs that will make our industry stronger,” said JA president and CEO David J. Bonaparte. “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 a meaningful impact.”

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

• 92NY: The organization is expanding its free Teen Gems program to provide New York City high school students with the instruction, mentorship, and financial stipends needed to become future jewelry industry leaders.
• DCA: To combat a documented workforce crisis, DCA is growing its Second Spark initiative to recruit and train veterans and returning parents for credentialed jewelry sales careers through distance education.
• Diamond Club West Coast: The group is working to enhance safety in the LA Jewelry District by providing improved crime-solving tools to the LAPD to protect the industry against theft and crime.
• Diamonds Do Good: The organization aims to equip professionals with tools that highlight the positive social and economic impact of natural diamonds on global mining and production communities.
• Future Jewelers Academy: To address the industry’s workforce shortage, this academy is expanding its skilled trade training pathways for high school students and young adults across New York.
• Georgia Jewelers Association: The association is launching a community outreach program to promote bench jeweler careers to young people through hands-on experience and local job fairs.
• Jewelers Security Alliance: In response to rising cybersecurity threats like ransomware and fraud, JSA is expanding its threat intelligence and training to help businesses prevent and recover from cybercrime.
• Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC): The nonprofit is developing a comprehensive compliance guide on alternative and plated metals to help manufacturers understand these materials and accurately inform their customers. 

JA based its allocations of funding on programs, potential reach, and need. Its 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.