PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2020
JCK Industry Fund Offers Grant to Support Industry Diversity
It will be awarded to a program that supports greater inclusion in the jewelry industry.
Norwalk, Conn.—The JCK Industry Fund is offering a new grant to promote more inclusivity in the jewelry and watch industries.
Organizations who want to create programs that support more inclusion for BIPOC—Black, indigenous, and people of color— designers in the jewelry industry are encouraged to apply in the fall. The grant will be awarded in 2021.
“The U.S. jewelry industry has always been international. However, social inequality in America has made the barrier to entry quite high for some talented minority jewelry professionals,” said Yancy Weinrich, COO of Reed Exhibitions USA, in a press release announcing the new grant.
Established in 1997 with the help of the Plumb Club, the JCK Industry Fund has awarded more than $6 million toward grants that benefit the jewelry industry.
RELATED CONTENT: Zales Is Scoping Out Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe Industry Fund Committee has added diversity to its list of causes, which also includes access to education and improved commerce.
Weinrich sits on the committee alongside John Green of Lux Bond & Green, Eddie LeVian of Le Vian, Michael Lerche of Goldstar Jewellery LLC, Sam Sandberg of A. Jaffe, and Sarin Bachmann of Reed Jewelry Group.
As the fund continues to grow, Weinrich said, money is directed toward the areas where it’s needed most and will have the greatest impact.
“We believe adding a new grant specifically focused on inclusivity and diversity will be beneficial to the entire jewelry industry and its consumers immediately and for the future,” she added.
Exhibitors and attendees of JCK’s virtual trade show, which ran from Aug. 11 to 14, were able to donate upon registration, either to the fund as a whole or specifically to the new diversity grant.
De Beers Group donated $10 per viewer, for up to 500 viewers, to the grant during its JCK Virtual education session “Promoting Diversity in The Diamond Industry,” presented by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., on Aug. 12.
For more information about the JCK Industry Fund, visit the JCK website or email jckindustryfund@reedexpo.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
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.
