International News
Jewelers of America Awards First-Ever Impact Initiative Grants to Support Industry Progress
Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the recipients of its inaugural Impact Initiative Grants, awarding funding to six jewelry trade organizations for programs designed to strengthen and advance the industry.
The selected organizations represent a mix of local and global communities and offer a wide range of initiatives focused on education, access, innovation, ethics, and sustainability. The Impact Initiative aims to empower the next generation, promote responsible practices, and elevate industry standards.

“We believe in the power of community, education, and empowerment,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte. “The applicants for our first Impact Initiative share our goal to make the jewelry industry stronger. We are proud to support these six organizations and look forward to seeing their collective programs create meaningful change.”
Among the recipients:
- BIJC Education Fund received support for its Future Jewelers Academy, a program launched in 2023 to engage high school students from underrepresented communities. The academy offers hands-on training, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities in gemology, watchmaking, and jewelry design—aiming to preserve traditional craftsmanship while inspiring future careers in the trade.
- Diamonds Do Good, a nonprofit founded in 2007, was granted funds for its ongoing mission to share the positive social and environmental impact of natural diamonds. The organization highlights real-life stories of education, entrepreneurship, and development in diamond-producing communities, while promoting ethical practices across the industry.
- Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) received funding for its upcoming JSA Security Certification Program, a nationwide initiative to train jewelry professionals in critical safety and security protocols. The certification will cover physical and digital protection, robbery prevention, and emergency response, incorporating the latest techniques and insights from law enforcement.
JA’s Impact Initiative marks a significant step in fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and responsible future for the jewelry sector.
International News
GJEPC Participates in High-Level Paris Roundtable on Kimberley Process Relevance
A closed-door outreach session in Paris brought senior Kimberley Process (KP) leadership into direct dialogue with leading luxury jewellery maisons, positioning the certification system at the centre of brand risk, sourcing integrity and consumer trust.
Hosted by UFBJOP, the invitation-only discussion, held under Chatham House Rule, clarified how the KP works, why it remains central to the natural diamond value chain, and how it supports brand credibility in a market shaped by rising transparency expectations.
The panel featured Feriel Zerouki, President, World Diamond Council (WDC); Stéphane Fischler, former President, WDC; Anoop Mehta, Convenor – Diamond Panel, GJEPC; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO, DMCC & former KP Chair; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC & Deputy Advisor to KP Chair, who shared perspectives spanning industry, governance and trade.
The discussion opened with an overview of the KP’s origins and mechanics, followed by India’s 2026 Chairmanship priorities built around the “3Cs” – Credibility, Compliance and Confidence. The framework focuses on strengthening certification integrity, addressing financial risks like crypto-linked transactions, and improving consumer-facing communication.
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