The JCK Industry Fund has introduced an all-new grant to be awarded in 2021, dedicated to promoting greater inclusivity within the fine jewelry and watch industries.

“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, chief operating officer of Reed Exhibitions USA, in a statement. “The new grant aims to inspire and promote greater inclusivity in many aspects of the business.”

Established in 1997 at the suggestion of the Plumb Club, the JCK Industry Fund has since awarded more than $6 million toward program grants that benefit the jewelry industry at large by providing funding to applicants who improve commerce, access to education, and an enhanced consumer perception of the fine jewelry industry.

“The JCK Industry Fund has always been about leading positive change in our industry,” continued Weinrich. “As the fund continues to grow in both size and scope, monies are directed each year to where they are needed most and to where significant impacts can be achieved. 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.”

JCK Las Vegas exhibitors and attendees have had the opportunity to donate to the fund with their show participation in years past and will be able to do so similarly for this year’s JCK Virtual 2020—a general donation or specifically to its new diversity grant—on the Give Back page within the digital show’s online platform. De Beers Group will donate $10 per viewer up to 500 viewers to the new grant for those who tune in to “Promoting Diversity in the Diamond Industry” presented by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., one of JCK Virtual’s online educational sessions. JCK Virtual 2020 begins Monday and runs through Friday.

The JCK Industry Fund Committee consists of Yancy Weinrich; John Green, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green; Eddie LeVian, CEO of Le Vian; Michael Lerche, president of Goldstar Jewellery; Sam Sandberg, chairman of A. Jaffe; and Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of Reed Jewelry Group.

For more information on the application process for the 2021 JCK Industry Fund, which opens in the fall, visit jckonline.com/industryfund.

Brittany Siminitz

JCK Contributing Editor