Submissions Open for the 2026 JCK Industry Fund
Norwalk, CT (September 9, 2025) – JCK, The jewelry trade’s most important global gathering, is now accepting submissions for the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant through November 14, 2025.
For the last 28 years, the JCK Industry Fund has worked towards its mission to support the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing $8 million worth of grants, funding initiatives that strengthen the industry as a whole. In 2025, the JCK Industry Fund Advisory Committee distributed over $300,000 in grants to 10 deserving organizations, hand-selected for their dedication to various causes such as security, inclusivity, cultivating a sustainable industry workforce and ensuring environmental preservation in mining regions across the globe. The Advisory Committee proudly upholds the JCK Industry Fund’s mission to drive the jewelry industry toward a thriving future through meaningful initiatives and looks forward to continuing this mission into 2026.
"At JCK, we are committed to shaping the future of the jewelry industry by providing annual Industry Fund Grants that empower change-makers. Our mission is to support nonprofit initiatives that drive meaningful change and elevate the industry. If your initiatives or organization focuses on sustainability, transparency, responsible sourcing, inclusivity, security, or overall jewelry industry growth, we encourage you to apply for our 2026 grant funding." states Sarin Bachmann, Senior Vice President of the RX jewelry portfolio and Chair of the JCK Industry Fund's Advisory Committee.
2025 Grant Recipients
- Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC): Funding supports BIJC to have a presence to launch emerging designers in the Design Collective while ensuring business training to help them follow up with leads. A mentor program will be implemented to guide designers in post-show follow-ups.
- Diamonds Do Good (DDG): Grant funds enabled an award-winning multi-channel media campaign to educate consumers on the benefits of purchasing diamonds. The broadcast digital campaign, made possible by Industry Fund funding and produced by Monica Elias with Elias World Media, took home a Silver 'Telly Award' in the Business to Consumers category, which honors the best in video and television.
- Gem Legacy: Supporting initiatives such as scholarships and mining toolkits to promote education, economic advancement, and diversity within East African gem-mining communities.
- Jewelers of America x Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC): Sustaining and expanding their Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program, designed to foster diversity in the fine jewelry industry by empowering participants with resources for successful business growth.
- Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA): Funding will aid the development and testing of a mobile device application with improved security protocols, quality control measures, and design enhancements.
- Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC): Grant monies support the development and launch of a program to help the industry navigate current challenges and opportunities, including international tariffs, as well as presenting a webinar series on foreign efforts in the sustainability space & increased regulation from states in the face of federal deregulation in this area.
- Mercury Free Mining (MFM): Development and deployment of polymer-based gold extraction kits to aid global artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities.
- Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA): Supporting the Mentor and Apprenticeship Program, upgrades to the BEaJEWELER website, social media content, and the creation of an apprenticeship management system to attract prospective bench jewelers.
- Pure Earth: Funding improvements for mercury-free mining in Madre de Dios, Peru, including solar panels, automation, data collection, and educational outreach.
- The Jewelry Edit Foundation: Producing a series of educational videos for emerging and diverse jewelers, focusing on business practices, sustainability, and following through after trade shows to maximize opportunities.
Eligibility and Application Details
Non-for-profit businesses and 501(c)3 organizations that operate within the jewelry industry are encouraged to apply for grant funding. Eligible initiatives may focus on areas such as industry development, consumer confidence, ethical business practices & diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Proposals from for-profit businesses aimed at personal business development are not eligible for grant consideration.
Applications must align with the larger industry-related goals and will be reviewed by a committee of industry leaders, including: Sarin Bachmann, Senior Vice President, RX jewelry portfolio; Lisa Bridge, Industry Expert, Jewelry Retail; John Green, President & CEO, Lux Bond & Green; Michael Lerche, President, Goldstar Jewelry LLC; Eddie LeVian, CEO, Le Vian; and Sam Sandberg, Chairman, A Jaffe. The committee will evaluate all applications, and the chosen recipients will be notified in early 2026.
To apply for the 2026 JCK Industry Fund grant, visit the Submission Form for more details and to submit your grant application. Submissions must be received by November 14, 2025.
Media Contacts
Jen Cullen Williams, Luxury Brand Group
[email protected]
MJ McGrath, Portfolio Marketing Director, JCK & Luxury, JIS Fall, JIS Spring
[email protected]
About JCK
Considered the most important jewelry exhibition in the world, the award-winning JCK show provides the global jewelry trade community the optimal stage for business growth by uniting the industry to buy, sell, network, learn and discover. A one-stop destination with the most diverse selection of professionals and products, JCK is jewelry’s most important gathering. Having been a launchpad for jewelry trends, products, and brands for three decades, JCK offers unrivaled access to quality buyers and sellers with 18,000 attendees and over 1,900 exhibitors annually. This is where the jewelry industry and its media partners unite to do business, make vital connections, and get inspired during multiple days of product discovery and exceptional experiences. Visit lasvegas.jckonline.com.
About Luxury
The jewelry event that defines Luxury. An ultra-curated and exclusive jewelry buying experience, Luxury caters to the niche, high-end jewelry market. Only the most prestigious and affluent jewelers are invited to this two-day program of appointments, relaxed networking and amenity-packed shopping experience. Luxury attendees receive convenient access to exhibitors from across the globe at JCK, considered the most important jewelry exhibition in North America, to discover trends and meet all their sourcing needs under one roof, from settings and findings, to loose stones, to equipment and technology, from high end to fashion, and everything in between. Luxury provides the best place to do business in a high-end, secure environment. Visit luxury.jckonline.com.
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 41 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.