Jewelry Industry Groups Create Support Network

RAPAPORT... A number of trade groups have joined together in an effort to support small jewelry businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.The Jeweler Support Network, created by the American Gem Society (AGS) and the Diamond Producers Association (DPA), among others, aims to provide assistance to independent and family-owned companies, the DPA said last week."The COVID-19 outbreak has created not just a global health crisis, but also an economic crisis, particularly for small businesses across the country," DPA CEO David Kellie said. "Local, family-owned jewelry stores have been hit hard and need our support. The industry needs to come together to help sustain independent jewelers through this tough time, ensuring they survive and can continue to be an important service to the local community."The groups have set up a consumer website that provides information to customers on the importance of local jewelers and supporting small businesses, while free educational and support information is available to retailers on a trade website. Retailers have access to free webinars, legal support, human-resources counsel, and state and regional resources for their area.The network also helps retailers create advertising campaigns as they reopen for business. Jewelers can submit stories on how they are innovating to enable them to continue to serve customers. The participating industry groups are:American Gem SocietyDiamond Council of AmericaDiamonds Do GoodDiamond Producers AssociationJCK/Reed Jewelry GroupJewelers of AmericaJewelers Vigilance CommitteeNational JewelerResponsible Jewellery CouncilUS Jewelry CouncilWomen's Jewelry AssociationImage: A jewelry display in a store. (Shutterstock)