The JCK Industry Fund launched a new diversity initiative at JCK Virtual this year to help promote greater inclusivity in the fine jewellery and watch industries.

“The US jewellery industry has always been international, however social inequality in America has made the barrier to entry quite high for some talented minority jewellery professionals,” said Yancy Weinrich, Chief Operating Officer of RX Global USA. “To be awarded for the first time in 2021, the JCK Industry Fund’s new grant aims to inspire and promote greater inclusivity in many aspects of the business.”

Established in 1997, the JCK Industry Fund has given away more than $6 million toward programme grants that benefit the jewellery industry at large by providing funding to applicants who improve commerce, access to education, and consumer perception of the fine jewellery industry.

In past years, JCK Las Vegas exhibitors and attendees have had the opportunity to donate to the fund with their show participation and were able to do so again for this year’s JCK Virtual 2020. 

De Beers Group made up the bulk of the donations  with $10 per viewer up to 500 viewers to the new grant for those who tuned 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 ran from 11-14 August, bringing together over 700 exhibitors and 3,400+ active attendees for four days of education, networking and video meetings.