PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
IndependentsMar 12, 2019
Retail Jewelers Organization Reaches 1,000 Members
The organization was founded in the 1960s to support independently-owned businesses.
Newton, Iowa—The Retail Jewelers Organization has hit a new milestone.
The association announced that it now boasts 1,000 jewelry store members around the country.
RJO CEO Sarah Streb said in a media release, “RJO has grown into a nationally recognized name in the jewelry industry. We are proud of our roots, of our growth, and of our future in the industry.
“We are incredibly excited to have reached this milestone. Throughout our existence our retail members, in collaboration with our vendor partners, have been the drive behind every decision at RJO.”
Jeweler Grant Johnson established the RJO in the 1960s alongside 14 other jewelry stores to support independently owned businesses amid growing threat from regional and national chains.
RJO Membership Coordinator Erin Sharp explained, “RJO started among friends and that has not changed along the way. I love how supportive our members and vendors are, not only of RJO, but of each other. They all truly care about making sure RJO not only thrives but continues to flourish—and 1,000 members strong is a true reflection of that.”
Streb added that the organization provides its members annual dividends, educational support and collective buying power.
RJO has members in each of the 50 states but Hawaii. “I think that will be my new goal for 2019,” said Sharp.
For information on RJO and joining the organization, contact Sharp at 1-800-247-1774 or erin@rjomembers.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
