(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Diamond Council of America (DCA) – a non-profit organization that provides quality, affordable distance education and the opportunity to earn professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones and fine jewelry sales, and Jewelers of America (JA) – the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, have reopened the Jewelers Relief Fund. The Jewelers Relief Fund, originally created in 2017, is a GoFundMe account that is collecting donations for independent jewelers whose stores sustained physical damage from Hurricane Ian.
“Our hearts go out to the retail jewelers who sustained significant damage by Hurricane Ian. So many jewelry stores will have a long road ahead of them to reopening their doors. As an industry, we know that we rally together and our hope is the industry can come together once again to help those stores in financial need,” says JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
Business owners whose stores were impacted by Hurricane Ian and are interested in receiving support from this Fund can fill out the relief request form. All submissions must be received by November 4th, 2022. The industry is being asked to pass the word along to those jewelers who are in need.
If you are in a position to contribute, visit the GoFundMe page here to make a donation by November 4, 2022. Any donation amount – large or small – can make a huge difference for jewelers in need.
Contributions to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations may be deductible as charitable contributions on a donor’s federal income tax return. Donations will be made to Diamond Council of America a 501(c)(3), who will disperse 100% of the funds raised directly to independent jewelry stores who sustained physical damage to their store.
To learn more about the fund or contribute, visit here.
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Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson
When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy.
Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision."
The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.
