Jewelers of America (JA) has announced actress Debra Messing will receive the 2018 GEM Award for Jewelry Style, an award given to an individual who inspires and encourages consumer desire for fine jewellery.
Sally Morrison has won the 2018 GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award, which celebrates an individual who has demonstrated a standard of excellence and made substantial contributions to the watch and jewellery industry, will be given to Morrison at the 16th annual GEM Awards in New York on Jan. 19, 2018.
JCK is now accepting grant proposals for its 19th annual Industry Fund. Each year, grants are awarded to individuals, groups, or associations whose work improves the jewellery industry. In 2016, more than $293,000 U.S. was awarded. Established in 1997, the JCK Industry Fund supports the development and research of programs for the betterment of the industry. To date, it has awarded more than $5.5 million.
The eight-year ban on the U.S. import of Burmese ruby and jade has been lifted. Although the JADE Act of 2008 expired three years ago, an executive order was issued extending the ban.
President Barack Obama signed the executive order, lifting the ban, citing: “Burma’s substantial advances to promote democracy;… the release of many political prisoners; and greater enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of association and peaceful assembly.”
A new tool is available to help existing and prospective members of the trade find and access educational programs related to various parts of the industry. Launched by Jewelers Education Foundation (JEF), the Jewelers Education Portal is a collaboration between associations serving the jewellery, diamond, coloured stones, precious metal, and watch sectors.
Vigilance Canada (JVC Canada) is one of six recipients of JCK’s 18th annual Industry Fund. It joins Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF); Diamond Council of America (DCA); Jewelers of America (JA); Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA); and Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC).
Three months after acquiring National Jeweler, Jewelers of America (JA) has appointed its director of membership and sales as the online publication’s new publisher.