Cost of Doing Business Survey
Jewelers of America publishes annually their Cost of Doing Business Survey, which is filled with financial data and analysis that provides retail jewelers with insight into the status of the industry and where they stand compared to others in the trade. The study can be used to evaluate company performance in order to identify strengths and weaknesses and to improve competitiveness.
The survey is available electronically via email or CD at a cost of $19.95 for JA/IJA members and $125 for non-members.
CLICK HERE to learn more or order you copy of the Survey.
Conflict Diamonds & the Kimberly Process
Jewelers of America and the IJA support the Kimberly Process to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond supply chain. The process adopted in 2002 regulates 99% of the rough diamond trade worldwide through a system of import and export controls.
Anti-Money Laundering Act
As part of the implementation of the US Patriot Act, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and division of the Department of the Treasury, has recently issued an interim final rule regarding anti-money laundering (AML) programs for “dealers” in precious metals, stones or jewels.
While the vast majority of retail members of the Jewelers of America and IJA will not be required to establish an AML compliance program under the rule, members should review the information to determine if you and your store must institute AML compliance procedures as required by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s rule.
To access the Guidance for Retail Jewelers on the US Patriot Act Anti-Money Laundering Program, visit the Jewelers of America members only section. CLICK HERE
JA’s J-Biz
J-Biz is JA's education initiative, designed to deliver high-quality education programs directly to retailers, in formats that are affordable and easily accessible wherever jewelers are –in-store, at trade shows and conventions – and online!
The J-Biz website brings together the vast JA jeweler network and allows you to advance your professional knowledge and skill set with other jewelers - at your convenience. J-Biz’s long-term objective is to offer you – the jeweler – a one-stop learning center, containing the best resources, management information and tools available today. CLICK HERE
The Illinois Jewelers Association and Jewelers of America pride ourselves on membership who adhere to the highest levels of ethical conduct and professional practice. Below we proudly display our Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct.
Code of Ethics
Jewelers of America Members are dedicated and committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty, fairness, professionalism and services. Our Code of Ethics serves to educate, inspire and unite our members, and form the basis for specific Rules of Professional Conduct by which all members have agreed to abide.
Jewelers of America Members strive to be good corporate citizens and to contribute to the communities in which they do business when formulating corporate policies and management decisions.
Jewelers of America Members strive to improve their professionalism and expertise, as individuals and as an organization, at all times.
Jewelers of America Members will conduct their business with honesty, sincerity, truthfulness and integrity at all times.
Jewelers of America Members understand the keeping of promises and fulfillment of commitments to all parties is important.
Jewelers of America Members comply with the letter and intent of all applicable laws, and will at all times show respect for the property of others.
Jewelers of America Members advise and deal with every customer, in regard to each transaction, as they would wish to be advised and dealt with, were they the customer.
Rules of Professional Conduct and Business Practices
Jewelers of America Members will strive to protect the industry and inform clients against fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical business practices.
Jewelers of America Members must adhere to all federal, state, and local laws, including Federal Trade Commission Guidelines and Bureau of Standard Definitions, as they apply to the jewelry industry.
Jewelers of America Members shall not make statements about a competitor or another member of the industry, or about the competitors or members’ reputation, merchandise or business practices which that member knows to be false, misleading, disparaging or defamatory. Nor shall a member make statements with malice or reckless disregard for whether they are false, misleading, disparaging or defamatory. A member may however, truthfully state his or her opinion, whether asked or not, but should fully set forth the basis for this opinion.
Jewelers of America Members merchandise may not intentionally be misrepresented as to its nature, authenticity, and/or origin.
Jewelers of America Members will not engage in any illegal, unethical, false, misleading or deceptive business practices designed to come within the letter of the law but have the effect of deceiving clients or purchasers.
Jewelers of America Members advertising and selling practices shall be in compliance with the rules and guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission.
Jewelers of America Members whose advertising or promotions offer comparative prices or savings will clearly and conspicuously disclose the basis for those claims, and will be prepared and willing voluntarily to substantiate their claims to a neutral party, if challenged.
Jewelers of America Members fulfill all conditions of their guarantee or service policies, as represented to their customers.
Jewelers of America Members will act in accordance with the spirit and letter of the JA Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct and Business Practices at all times.
JA Certification gives jewelry professionals identifiable status within the trade and increased marketability among consumers. By evaluating jewelry professionals according to nationally recognized standards, JA Certification boosts consumer trust and confidence in your employees, your store, and the jewelry industry.
Bench Jeweler Certification
Evaluating the Skills Inventory of Bench Jewelers
JA created the Bench Jeweler Certification program as a standardized method to gauge their skill level. Bench Jewelers may obtain certification in one of four designations: JA Certified Bench Jeweler Technician (CBJT); JA Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ); JA Certified Senior Bench Jeweler (CSBJ); and JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ). JA Certification is an exam process, not a course, assessing existing expertise. Each level requires a written and practical bench test. The written test includes questions on technical topics, while the practical bench test incorporates tasks like repairing, sizing and soldering, taken at the candidate’s own bench.
Management Professional Certification
Evaluating the Skills Inventory of Store Owners and Managers
The JA Management Professional Certification program appraises the aptitude of jewelry store assistant managers, managers and owners. Candidates may acquire certification in two levels based on skill, experience and industry knowledge: JA Certified Management Professional (CMP); and JA Certified Senior Management Professional (CSMP). Evaluation covers store management knowledge according to nationally accepted standards. JA Certification is an exam process, not a course, assessing existing expertise.
Certification demonstrates the skills of owners, managers and assistant managers in one of two levels. The first level earns the JA Certified Management Professional (CMP) title. This tests proficiency expected of entry level management personnel covering legal compliance, marketing, finance and other relevant topics. The second level, JA Certified Senior Management Professional (CSMP), tests additional topics such as human resources and information systems. To qualify for the second level, jewelers must finish the first or intend to take both levels together.
Sales Professional Certification
Evaluating the Skills Inventory of Sales Professionals
The JA Sales Professional Certification program evaluates a jewelry sales professional’s proficiency. Depending on their experience, sales professionals may demonstrate skills by successfully completing certification in one of two levels: JA Certified Sales Professional (CSP); and JA Certified Senior Sales Professional (CSSP). This program evaluates jewelry sales professionals’ knowledge based on nationally accepted standards.
JA Certification is an exam process, not a course, assessing existing expertise. Each level requires a written and practical bench test. First level completion earns a candidate the JA Certified Sales Professional (CSP) title, designed for sales professionals with one year’s experience covering product knowledge and customer service. The second level, JA Certified Senior Sales Professional (CSSP), requires deeper sales skills and understanding, covering additional topics like Risk Management and store operations. Candidates must initially finish the first level to qualify for the second. But individuals have the option to take both levels at the same time.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Jewelers of America Certification Programs.
Jewelers of America offers are variety of scholarships and funding for the JA Bench Jeweler Certification program and for educational courses from other leading industry organizations. Applications are typically available beginning in January of each year.
Both JA members and employees may apply for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Diamond Council of America (DCA), Jewelers Education Foundation (JEF) and the Gemological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A) scholarships. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least one year’s experience in a JA member store or two years’ experience in the jewelry industry.
CLICK HERE to download an application.
Each year the IJA sponsors a design competition in conjunction with the Annual Conference. Entries are judged on overall beauty, overall wearability, innovative design, quality of material used, quality of workmanship, and judged on broad base of consumer appeal.
Awards are given in three areas:
- Les Chambers Best of Show – This award is voted by the board, with the winner being automatically entered in the Midwest Jewelry Show in Madison, Wisconsin in March as well as the Jewelers of America National Competition in January.
- Category 1 – Students and New Jewelers (working less than 2 years) – Cost of Materials not to exceed $500. Voted on by all registrants attending the conference.
- Category 2 – Open to all Jewelers – Cost of Materials from $500 - $3000. Voted on by all registrants attending the conference.
CLICK HERE to download a Design Competition Entry Form.
Recent Best of Les Chambers Show Winners
2006 – Joe Bacher – J. Bacher Fine Jewelry Design & Repair - Harrisburg
2005 – Gary Kamin, G.C. Wahl Jewelers
Des Plaines
2004 – A.J. Boore, Bremer Jewelry - Peoria
American Gem Society (AGS)
8881 West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 255-6500
Fax: (702) 255-7420
Web: www.americangemsociety.org
E-Mail: info@ags.org
American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)
3030 LBJ Freeway, Suite 840
Dallas, TX 75324
(800) 972-1162
Fax: (214) 742-7334
Web: www.agta.org
E-Mail: info@agta.org
Diamond Promotion Service (DPS)
466 Lesington Ave, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 210-7590
Fax: (212) 210-8779
E-Mail: newyorkdps@jwt.com
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(800) 421-7250
Fax: (760) 603-4080
Web: www.gia.edu
E-Mail: edinfo@gia.edu
Jewelers of America (JA)
52 Vanderbilt Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(800) 223-0673
Fax: (646) 658-0256
Web: www.jewelers.org
E-Mail: info@jewelers.org
Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT)
95 Jefferson Blvd.
Warwick, RI 2888
(401) 467-0055
Fax: (401) 467-1199
Web: www.jewelersboard.com
E-Mail: jbtinfo@jewelersboard.com
Jewelers for Children
52 Vanderbilt Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 687-2949
Fax: (212) 687-3226
Web: www.jewelersforchildren.org
E-Mail: info@jewelersforchildren.org
Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA)
6 East 45th Street
New York, NY 10017
(800) 537-0067
Fax: (212) 808-9168
Web: www.jewelerssecurity.org
E-Mail: jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org
Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC)
25 West 45th Street #400
New York, NY 10017
(800) JOIN_JVC
Fax: (212) 997-9148
Web: www.jvc.legal.org
E-Mail: clgjvc@aol.com
Jewelry Information Center (JIC)
52 Vanderbilt Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(800) 658-0240
Fax: (646) 658-0256
Web: www.jic.org
E-Mail: infor@jic.org
Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA)
45 Royal Little Drive
Providence, RI 0
(800) 444-6572
Fax: (401) 274-0265
Web: www.mjsa.org
E-Mail: info@mjsa.org
Platinum Guild International (PGI)
500 5th Avenue #5120
New York, NY 10110
(212) 404-1601
Fax: (212) 730-7798
Web: www.platinumguild.com
E-Mail: usainfo@pgiglobal.com
International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA)
Web: www.gemstone.org
Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA)
19 South LaSalle St., Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-4600
Fax: (312) 726-9570
Web: www.irma.org
E-Mail: info@imra.org
National Retail Federation
325 7th Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington DC, 20004
(800) 673-4692
Fax: (202) 737-2849
Web: www.nrf.com
E-Mail: webmaster@nrf.com
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