70 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2026 F or years, the jewelry industry has talked about the shortage of skilled craftsmen and bench jewelers. Today, that conver- sation has become louder and more important than ever. Retailers are searching for experienced craftspeople to handle repairs, custom work, and stone-setting. As veteran bench jewelers retire, many businesses are finding there simply aren’t enough trained professionals entering the trade to replace them. While the challenge isn’t unique to jewelry, for the jewelry indus- try, which is built on craftsmanship, artistry, and precision, the stakes are particularly high. Recognizing that the issue cannot be solved by any one company alone, Jewelers of America has made workforce development a stra- tegic priority, investing in programs that introduce young people to jewelry careers, support technical education, strengthen professional development, and create clearer pathways into the profession. “Solving the bench jeweler shortage isn’t about just filling jobs, it is about securing the future of our industry,” said Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte. “We have to inspire career seekers to see jewelry as a profession where they can build a rewarding, creative, and financially sustain- able career, while giving employers the tools to develop and retain that talent. Both are equally important.” Those efforts have expanded significantly following the unification of Jewelers of America and Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) under one Jewelers of America membership. Jewelers of America members now benefit from a broader portfolio of resources, combining Jewelers of America’s advocacy, education, certification programs, and business support with MJSA’s deep technical expertise, manufactur- ing knowledge, supplier network, and educational resources. CREATING CAREER PATHWAYS The integration also strengthens one of the industry’s most important workforce initiatives. As the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of Jewelers of America, the MJSA Education Foundation oversees the Mentor and Apprenticeship Program, a registered appren- ticeship program certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. The initiative provides the resources and guidance for Working to Rebuild the Industry’s Talent Pipeline BENCH AND BEYOND JA SPOTLIGHT Jewelers of America provides information about careers in the jewelry industry both online and via its printed Careers in the Jewelry Industry guide, now in its third edition.
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