The JCK Industry Fund Committee announced the 2021 recipients of its annual JCK Industry Fund grants, totaling over $253,750 to both traditional fund submissions and a new Diversity and Inclusivity grant, aimed at supporting greater inclusion within the industry. Since 1997, the fund has awarded over $7 million towards program grants to benefit the jewellery industry at large.

“Coming out of a difficult and challenging year, it was important to the JCK Industry Fund Committee to support our industry and the organisations that help move it forward,” said Yancy Weinrich, Chief Growth Officer, Reed Exhibitions. “The 2021 recipients comprise eight organisations that serve the jewellery and watch industries who will apply their JCK Industry Funds to initiatives that range from ethical sourcing, heightening consumer confidence, safety, diversity and inclusion.”

The 2021 Industry Fund Grant Recipients:

• Diamonds Do Good
• Gem Legacy
• International Colored Gemstone Association
• Jewelers Security Alliance
• Jewelers Vigilance Committee
• Mercury Free Mining
• Women’s Jewelry Association

The 2021 JCK Industry Fund Diversity & Inclusivity Grant Recipient, Black in Jewelry Coalition (BJC) works towards the advancement of black professionals within the gem and jewellery industry.

Each of these organisations received grant monies in the first quarter of 2021 to advance specific projects that will benefit the industry as a whole.

The JCK Industry Fund Committee chooses recipients based upon their synergy with the overall core goals of the fund, such as: improving commerce and the image of the jewellery industry in the eyes of the consumer; aiding in addressing serious challenges faced within the jewellery industry; assisting in developing educational content that can make a profound impact on the jewellery industry, consumers and diversity and inclusion.

The grants are funded by JCK with support from the industry at-large – primarily through donations from JCK customers: its exhibitors and attendees. This year, De Beers Group also contributed special funding in support of the new Diversity & Inclusivity grant.