Nine organizations have been named recipients of the 2026 JCK Industry Fund grants, supporting programs in education, workforce development, security, and community engagement.
“We’ve seen firsthand how investing in visionary programs transforms lives and drives industry progress,” said Sarin Bachmann, senior vice president of the RX jewelry portfolio (which includes JCK) and chair of the JCK Industry Fund committee. “This year’s recipients exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication, expanding access to education, supporting emerging designers, strengthening our industry’s workforce, and uplifting communities around the globe.”
The 2026 grant recipients and their intended use of the funding are:
Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) — to cover travel, accommodations, marketing, and operational costs tied to trade show participation for emerging designers who otherwise may not be able to afford to showcase their work at such events
BIJC Education Fund, Future Jewelers Academy — hands-on training, mentorship, and career opportunities in jewelry design and manufacturing for students
Diamond Council of America — expanding Second Spark, which provides subsidized certification, career support, and job placement for veterans and parents returning to the workforce
Diamonds Do Good (DDG) — consumer-focused broadcast and digital campaigns and retailer partnerships that promote the positive impact of natural diamonds.
Gem Legacy — building a water well and infrastructure improvements at its campus in Tanzania, as well as supporting education, nutrition, and vocational training for mining communities
Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) — modernizing its national jewelry crime database, integrating it with JSA’s mobile app, and enhancing analytics and real-time crime prevention efforts
Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) — providing industry members with legal guidance on tariffs and trade issues
The Jewelry Edit Foundation — to create an educational video series and mentoring program for emerging designers, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, about trade shows
Partners in Health — training, equipment, and expanded patient services at the Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone, a country long shaped by the diamond industry
Since its inception in 1997, the JCK Industry Fund has provided over $7 million in grants to back innovative initiatives that drive meaningful improvements and support long-term growth of the global jewelry trade. Grant applicants are evaluated on their ability to align with the fund’s mission and work toward sustainable progress in crucial focus areas.
Attendees of the upcoming JCK show in Las Vegas can donate to the JCK Industry Fund when registering, and exhibitors can contribute directly while securing their booth space.
The JCK News Desk uses AI to help research and produce the first draft of articles. This story was reviewed and edited by staff writer David Blomquist.
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