In the Loupe May 2024 Edition

IN THE LOUPE

The Premier Jewelers Cooperative

Looking Back

I OPENED UP AN EMAIL from an RJO member last month, and I was met with a message from Sarah Stegeman of Sturhahn Jewelers in Quincy, IL. She sent in a photo of a Sturhahn ad from the 1920s. It was quaint and nostalgic, and it was innovative, as it included a complimentary thermometer. It made me think about how much has changed in our industry over the last century.

We spend a lot of time here at RJO planning for what’s ahead, as I know many of you do. Yet, there are many valuable reasons to look back, including:

• building on what worked and avoiding what didn’t work

• understanding context, often important to mission and purpose

• providing an inspirational boost; being reminded of challenges overcome and positive moves forward

• getting out of a rut and getting reenergized by past successes

RJO Board News

RJO provides several opportunities to take a look back, reminisce, and find ways to move forward. These include our biannual Buying Shows, an organizationwide family gathering where fun and fond memories are traded nonstop; our Succession Experience, where generational successes are expanded upon; and our annual RJO Rock Tour, a purchasing event and adventure that makes both good business sense and great memories.

This issue includes some very personal instances of looking back, specifically those of family members proudly celebrating an annual rite very familiar to all of us and a sales focus for many of us—the upcoming high school graduation of a loved one. This feature profiles a unique graduation situation in our RJO office this year, as a surprising number of us—including me—have graduates crossing the stage. We’re all working hard to keep the waterworks under control.

I wish you a May and June filled with lots of sales and memories made,

Sarah Streb RJO CEO

THE ANNUAL RJO BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTING will be held during the next month. Ballots will be sent out at the end of this week and will be due back on or before June 3. Introduction packets and campaign videos will be sent along with the ballots. Candidates are:

AG Becker (incumbent) • Lucas Doland (incumbent) • Jeff Wickersham (incumbent)

Greg Lynn • Heather Wahl

New in St. Louis: Retailer Roundtables

RJO’s leadership teams want to get more members involved in the organization and will be holding Retailer Roundtables for jewelers to meet with different members of the leadership teams. These are currently scheduled to be held on Friday, August 2, from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m., right before the RJO Summer Show Kick-off Reception. A separate registration link for the new Retailer Roundtables will be sent after Show Registration opens, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

S E R V I C E S

Centralized Billing

Patronage Dividend

RJO Website (rjomembers.com)

Buying Shows (Summer/Winter)

In the Loupe – RJO’s newsletter

RJO Exclusive on Facebook

Educational Seminars (at the Buying Shows)

Member-to-Member Incentive Program (Recruitment Program)

Organized Buying Trips to Antwerp and IdarOberstein

RJO Directory

Travel Vouchers at Shows (offered at varying times)

Free Hotel Room Incentive (at the Buying Shows)

RJO Informational Email Blasts

Purchase Vouchers (at the Buying Shows)

RJO Membership Certificate

RJO Next Gen and RJO Succession Experiences

JewelConnect, RJOmeet.me, and RJOCustomHatch

Scholarship Opportunities (from the RJO Foundation)

From RJO’s Facebook Page

THE MEMBER-ONLY RJO EXCLUSIVE PAGE ON FACEBOOK hosts a variety of interesting discussions every day. This feature normally looks at text posts, but last month featured a number of entertaining videos worth highlighting. Three of them are presented below.

Post (from Marks of Design): When the setter drops the diamond, it decides to play hide-andseek ... in your shoe! Link

Post (from Jo & Co Jewelers): So many of you have asked when we are doing another video. I thought I’d share the fun we have at work. Link

Post (from INOX Jewelry for Men): Men's Season is coming this June. Get ready. Link

2024 RJO European Rock Tour Set for October 3-13

RJO’S HOSTED GEMSTONE BUYING TOUR to IdarOberstein is ready to “rock.” Following the resounding success of its comeback in 2022, RJO is thrilled to once again offer this extraordinary adventure. The RJO Rock Tour is not just an event; it’s a dynamic purchasing experience that empowers RJO members to become Direct Diamond Importers in their communities. With two days of gem buying, exploration, and education in the gemstone haven of Idar-Oberstein, along with a personalized tour through Antwerp’s historic Diamond District, fine dining, and the warm camaraderie of fellow RJO retailers, the 2024 tour promises to be a vibrant celebration of color, connections, and business success.

The tour begins on October 2, for those starting early with a visit to Frankfurt, Germany. These travelers will spend three days before they join with another group, who arrive direct from the U.S. to Antwerp. After five

days in Antwerp (including a day trip to Lille, France) travelers return home, unless they've selected an optional two-day side trip to London.

Erika Godfrey, of Hawthorne Jewelry in Kearney, NE, and RJO staff member Jodi Flaherty will serve as RJO hosts for the trip. The full itinerary, contacts and registration deadlines may be found here.

RJO Offering GIA Seminars During Buying Show

RJO IS PARTNERING WITH GIA Alumni Collective™ to present two continuing education seminars led by industry experts and a leader in education, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Seminars will be held on-site in St. Louis at the RJO Summer Buying Show. Space is limited to 24 participants, and attendees must be pre-registered to attend. There is a $250 fee per attendee for each seminar, and the

fee includes all course materials and supplies, including a Letter of Attendance. More information may be found here.

The first course is “Introduction to Colored Stones.” It will introduce the core concepts buyers and sellers of colored stones should know to have informed discussions with their customers, including how to identify and explain key attributes that determine a gem’s value, common treatments applied to gems, and how to translate characteristics into compelling features and benefits.

The second course is “Overview of Laboratory-Grown Diamonds.” It will provide essential knowledge about laboratory-grown diamonds that will give gem and jewelry professionals the confidence to have responsible discussions with their customers.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions as they are guided by a GIA instructor, who will share their expertise through illustrations, images, and lecture. These courses are ideal for sales associates, colored gemstone investors, and enthusiasts.

If you’ve changed your email address lately or would prefer to receive RJO communications at a different address, please let us know.

Address updates and changes can be directed to Erin Sharp in the RJO office at: erin@rjomembers.com

RJO Continuing to Make It Easier to Find Vendors

By Andy Boundy VRB Internet Solutions Ltd.

YOU PROBABLY KNOW ABOUT RJOMEET.ME.

It’s been around for a few years now and is a library of information on RJO’s awesome vendors. Many retailers use RJOmeet.Me to find products and services every week. From diamonds to specific jewelry lines, from bespoke pieces in custom to specialized services for marketing, financing, and more, it’s all there. You can find what you need, engage who you need, and leave—making your day more efficient.

Like all systems, RJOmeet.Me needs to know who you are in order to work properly. In this way, the system can remember your preferences (such as favorite vendors, searches, etc.) in order to provide messages and other useful services. To this end—like most services—you need to log in to get things going. Hundreds of RJO members have done this and do it regularly, but with all of the different log-ins, passwords, and information we need to juggle daily, it can get a bit irritating to always need to log-in everywhere. Help is here.

RJO has made it easier to access this very valuable service (which is custom-built for RJO members and owned by the RJO to promote all levels of service and

RJO Launches Bench Jeweler Experience

HELD ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, at the Summer Buying Show in St. Louis, this immersive seminar series is crafted exclusively for RJO Bench Jewelers. It will provide the perfect opportunity for attendees to connect with peers, refine skills, exchange insights, and advance craftsmanship. Secure your spot now; the registration fee is $100. The seminar’s sessions (and presenters) include:

• Maximizing Profits Using a Laser Welder (Scott Isaacs)

• Bench Organization for the Modern Jeweler (Michael Nashef, A & A Jewelry)

• A Clean Shop is a Profitable Shop: Optimizing Bench Jewelers' Workshops for Profitable Precious Metal Reclamation (Brian Shellenback, UPMR)

• Jewel Repair 101: Best Practices for Dealing with Repairs (Ross Wesdorp, Jewel Craft)

• Bench Jeweler Roundtable (facilitated by Devon Bond)

product buying within the group), right from the main RJOmembers.com website. It’s one log-in to rule them all! This makes it so much easier to “switch across” to RJOmeet.Me when you’re in your main RJO account online, allowing you to find all you need to do even more business within the group.

“This integration went live mid-April and we’re already seeing members using the new ‘switch across,’” says Andy Boundy, tech manager and admin for the RJOmeet.Me system. “It makes things even easier for members to find what they need, as the RJOmeet.Me information is directed to doing more business rather than administering financial and membership tasks. Members can now easily do both more efficiently. RJOmeet.Me is where you can go to find more people to buy from, new products, and new opportunities within the group.”

Systems like RJOmeet.Me are continually being upgraded. There are some very exciting developments coming soon, which all combine to make the retail jeweler’s job even easier online, while providing vendors opportunities to show what they can do to make member stores even more successful. Keep an eye right here in upcoming issues of In the Loupe, and we’ll let you know when these new systems are available for you to use. Who knows, some may even involve artificial intelligence (AI)!

Vote for RJO Vendors of the Year

WHICH VENDOR HAS GONE ABOVE and beyond for your store this year? Is there a sales rep who brings award-winning customer service and a smile each visit? RJO wants to recognize vendors and individuals who continue to raise the bar to help you thrive in today’s competitive market.

Vote for the 2024 RJO Vendor of the Year Award. Check your emails for your ballot link, so RJO's top vendors can be celebrated at our Summer Buying Show. Vote for your favorites in the following categories:

•Loose

•Finished

•Watches

•Service/Specialty

•Sales Representative of the Year

The deadline for nominations is 1 p.m. (Central) on Friday, May 17.

How To Master the Art of Absentee Ownership

By Becka Johnson Kibby Vice President, Edge Retail Academy

IF THIS HEADLINE CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION, I gather you may be interested in doing what you want, when you want, possibly no more day-to-day management of your store, as well as having a passive income. This can all be in your future!

Absentee Ownership Defined

Option 1 is: The store runs successfully whether you are there or not. You can decide to be gone 100% of the time or choose to show up when you want. Option 2 is: You are still responsible for a few tasks, but you can do these from home, or by going to the store only occasionally to complete them. Does that mean four times a year? Twice a month? Once a week? There are no rules—you decide! Your reward is more time to work on the business, and not so much in it. Or you have already done that and choose not to work at all! There are stages to getting there, so give yourself enough time, as you want this transition to be smooth and successful.

How

To Prepare

First, put your timeline together and then create a strategic plan, to ensure you stick to your timeline. The goal is to be able to be an absentee owner and then decide to stay longer if you want. Along the way it’s important to measure your progress to know if you are on track to meet your deadline. If you are behind, adjust your strategies. One thing we hear often is owners have been meaning to work on their plan for a few years but haven’t officially gotten started. Our clients tell us they enjoy having a coach as another set of eyes to point out key areas that need to be tackled and strategies to get there, all the while holding them accountable to executing their plan on time.

in the wrong positions. Adjusting roles can help. Training is key to developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of your team, and training should never stop. Ensure you have employees who can train the team in your absence.

Delegate

There may be tasks only you know how to do right now. The transition of your skills and responsibilities to others is a significant part of being a successful absentee owner. If you are the top salesperson in your store, it’s time to introduce your customers to others on the team, or sales will drop when you become an absentee owner. Be ready to teach others and realize they may perform these tasks a bit differently than you, and that is okay. A fresh set of eyes on a task you have been doing for years can be beneficial. Stop making all the decisions and answering all the questions. Employ a well-trained and trusted manager to run the business in your absence. By enriching the skills of others with new responsibilities, you are investing in their future and enhancing their careers too.

Inventory Health

One of the most challenging things retail jewelers deal with is inventory management. Make certain you clean up your inventory prior to becoming an absentee owner. Establish your optimum inventory level (OIL). When you have too much, it is easier to accumulate excess aged inventory. Decrease your aged inventory to 10% or less of your OIL. Systematically re-order your fast sellers. Your inventory will either increase or stall your profit.

If you need help with any of the topics I mentioned above or just want to talk further about your situation, reach out. We are here to help you master the art of becoming an absentee owner!

Have The Right Staff

Having the strongest team possible is essential to maximize your success as an absentee owner. Do you have the most effective team in place now, or do you need to recruit new talent? Are there any holes to fill? Sometimes stores have the right people, but they are

Becka Johnson Kibby, G.G., is Vice President of Edge Retail Academy, the leading jewelry business consulting and data aggregation firm, which provides expert business improvement plans, to help with all facets of your business, including improved financials, healthier inventory, sales growth, sales training, increased staff performance, recruiting, and retirement/succession planning—all custom-tailored to your store’s needs.

Phone: (877)-569-8657, ext. 001

Email: Info@EdgeRetailAcademy.com

Website: www.EdgeRetailAcademy.com

Vendor Profile

Second to None: Henderson Legacy and AvayGray Designs

“JEWELRY IS PERSONAL,” SAYS ANN GIESER, owner of Henderson Legacy and AvayGray Designs in Charlotte, NC. “So, getting to know extended clientele is key. ‘One size fits all’ hardly works for our collection, so getting to know not only the store and the staff, but also the ultimate wearer is essential to growing and offering jewelry that works for the market.” This approach to understanding independent jewelers has been a hallmark for Gieser since she first got her foot in the business several decades ago.

“Thirty years ago, I walked into jewelry designer Lecil Henderson’s office to fill in for two weeks while he hired an assistant,” says Gieser. “Fast forward 26 years, and Lecil would have told you ‘some things have been overlooked in the office and Ann is one of them.’

Honestly, I ended up here by accident and by helping Lecil, whom I felt would do better with me running his business instead of just someone with a resume. It also turns out he and I grew up in the same neighborhood and shared childhood roots.”

“I worked tirelessly for him until his untimely death almost four years ago,” she continues. “At that time, I knew I did not want to leave the industry, so I decided to keep it going. We are here because of the hard work of Lecil—the legend before us—who gave 40 years of his life to loving and helping our industry. When Lecil passed away, we knew we needed to do something that was what ‘we’ created. We got to work, and this is how AvayGray came to be. I am now the owner of the company with an incredible back-up system of ladies, phenomenal at what they do. My sister, Lisa, handles anything accounting- and receiving-related, along with ensuring we do our jobs with utmost accuracy. I am blessed to have a staff that has been around for a while and have done in-store events and trade shows with us for years. When we do an event, jewelers know they are getting a seasoned event veteran.”

Henderson Legacy honors Lecil Henderson and his handmade bangle bracelets, and it strives to continue the creation of bangle bracelets that, according to Gieser, are second to none. Legacy is available in 18K, enamel and sterling silver. AvayGray is the company’s fashion line, made for the add-on sale or self-purchase market. AvayGray highlights lean lines, great styles, and attention to detail.

“Southern hospitality is guaranteed,” says Gieser. “What RJO members can get from us is a partnership.

We are not looking to ‘make the big sell’ and be done. We are looking to know you as a person, know your business, be a valued part of your operation, and do all we can to help you sell through the product. We don’t just ship your order and see you months down the road. We want to walk into your store, help train your staff on our unique product, and do in-store events that are profitable. RJO members get our unmatched dedication and commitment to doing things right. If something goes astray, we make it right as fast as possible. We stand behind our product with manufacturers’ warranties, and we believe in what we sell. If we don’t like it, we don’t sell it. We have tested every item before we put a tag on it and show it to RJO. Business can be tough, so you need a partner who is going to work with you and look out for you. That is what we do.”

“We want RJO jewelers to know our product sells,” Gieser says. “Its uniqueness catches one’s attention, and we are comfortable those who get one piece, undoubtedly come back for more. We establish ‘collectors’ of the line, and they are loyal and love stacking and being creative. There are no other bangles like ours. We are truly unique and that means something. It is nice to be able to sell your best customer (the consumer) jewelry not everyone else has. We take pride in our collection and create styles that work. Our enamel colors run a spectrum that is much wider than the rainbow.”

Gieser says she wanted to become a part of RJO because of the “buzz” that was going around. She noted retailers and vendors alike had nothing but kind things to say about the organization.

“Being in RJO is an honor we do not take lightly,” she continues. ”In all honesty, the staff of RJO makes it easy to want to be a part of. The RJO staff is committed to the well-being of not only its members but its vendors and that is a total commitment we respect. Being treated so well by the staff has been huge for us. We are loyal to our retailer partners, and we keep our word about not selling to a neighbor or competitor. We do not sell direct and always refer any consumer calls we get to the retailer in their area.”

AvayGray Designs is located at 1927 South Tryon Street, Suite 106, in Charlotte, NC.

Phone: (800) 605-3035

Websites: www.hendersonlegacy.com; www.avaygraydesigns.com

2024 Summer Buying Sh

St. Louis—known as the Gateway to the West—will serve as the host for RJO's Summer Buying Show in early August. Situated on the banks of America's largest river—the Mississippi—the metro St. Louis area comprises a population of nearly 2.2 million. The area is home to a dozen major companies, including Edward Jones, Monsanto, Graybar Electric, and battery manufacturer Energizer.

The city is the home of the ice cream cone, introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair. It also is the home of Anheuser-Busch Companies, one of the largest producers of beer in the world. Visitors can tour the original brewery in St. Louis’ historic Soulard neighborhood and visit the world-famous Clydesdale draft horses in their 1885 brick and stained-glass stable there. St. Louis offers many first-rate attractions—in addition to the Arch—including the 200-ft tall St. Louis Ferris Wheel; Union Station, once the largest rail terminal in the world, restored to its original splendor; the 90-acre St. Louis Zoo; and the World Chess Hall of Fame.

St. Louis has been the birthplace of many notable individuals and entertainers, including the Father of Rock and Roll Chuck Berry; Jon Hamm, the Emmywinning actor known for his role in the critically acclaimed series Mad Men; dancer, singer, and actress Josephine Bake; renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou; John Goodman, actor and voice of Sully in Monsters, Inc.; comedian Cedric the Entertainer, and horror-movie actor and icon Vincent Price.

We’ve put together some nuggets of information about the Buying Show's host hotel and city. We hope it helps you start your preparations for August.

Get to Know St. Louis

Laws to follow:

— It is illegal to drive with an uncaged bear.

— It is illegal to honk your horn.

— It is illegal to inhale your pipe through your ear.

— It is illegal to run while carrying milk.

— In order to braid hair professionally, 1,000 hours of training is required.

— It is illegal to sit on the curb of any city street and drink beer from a bucket.

A Rich Ice Cream History

In addition to being the birthplace of the ice cream cone, St. Louis is home to one of the country's finest ice cream confections—the Concrete. A concrete is a thick custard blended with any combination of dozens of ingredients. The mixture is so thick a spoon inserted into the custard does not fall if the cup is inverted. The ultimate classic concrete can be found at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on Chippewa Ave. (Route 66).

how • St. Louis, MO • August 2-5

Located 10-minutes west of the banks of the Mississippi River—with the America's Center Convention Complex just across the street—is our host hotel, the Marriott St. Louis Grand. Ideally located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, the Marriott is near Union Train Station, Ballpark Village, the Gateway Arch, and Busch Stadium. The hotel offers guests a 24-hour fitness center, an American restaurant and bar, a grab-and-go market, and an on-site Starbucks.

Book your rooms early by clicking here.

St. Louis Style Pizza: Imo's

Our Host Hotel: Marriott St. Louis Grand The average high temperature in St. Louis at the beginning of August is 88 and the low is 69.

A short walk from the host hotel is IMO's Pizza, the home of St. Louis style pizza ... who knew? St. Louis–style pizza has a thin cracker-like crust, made without yeast, topped with a seasoned, sweet tomato sauce and covered with Provel cheese. It is distinctively cut into squares or rectangles rather than wedges. Imo's Pizza is located at 1701 Delmar Blvd. in downtown St. Louis.

Domestic Airlines Serving St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

The Marriott St. Louis Grand is at 800 Washington Ave. in downtown St. Louis.

August 2-5 • St. Louis, MO

Jeweler Profile

Edmund’s Jewelers: 75 Years of 5-Star Service

ABOUT A HALF-HOUR SOUTH of downtown Pittsburgh lies Pleasant Hill, a suburb of about 8,500 residents. It is the home of Edmund’s Jewelers and its owner Gary Nageli. Edmund's will be celebrating its 75th anniversary at the end of July.

"Edmund’s started in 1949 by Edmund Daumit," says Nageli, "whom I started working with in 1997, after spending ten years with Zales. In 2000, my wife Suzanne and I bought the store when Edmund retired. In 2007, we left our mall location and moved about a half-amile to our current location, a freestanding building we purchased."

"When people ask me about how I prepare for the wedding season," he says, “I'll say we added Malo Bands, and we added a lot of diamond semimounts and anniversary bands. I also tell them we added two support dogs for the grooms."

reliable, friendly, and most of all, caring."

"We joined RJO," says Nageli, "upon the recommendation of a good friend, Charles Gala, of Gala Jewelry in White Oak, PA. He helped me see if it was a good fit, and it was."

"I like RJO's Buying Shows," he continues. "They're not overwhelming, and all the people associated with this group welcomed us with open arms. The staff at RJO world headquarters are always waiting for my three calls per month. RJO's Member Services Coordinator Erin Sharp even said I was a special caller. Not sure how to take that, as my wife also says I'm special."

Nageli says the store is planning an anniversary sale this summer, which he'll probably take it in stride, as he does many things.

February 2025 • Phoenix, AZ

July 2025 • Schaumburg, IL

Winter 2026 • Phoenix, AZ

August 2026 • Lexington, KY

February 2027 • Grapevine, TX

July 2027 • Kansas City, MO

Winter 2028 • TBA

July 2028 • Schaumburg, IL

Edmund’s service offerings and product lines are not remarkable by any means. They carry engagement rings, wedding bands, fashion and custom jewelry, and estate pieces. Services include cash for gold and jewelry repair. What is remarkable is their customer satisfaction, as noted in the more than 100 reviews currently on their website. The reviews comprise five stars, and while there is the occasional (and wonderful) "Best jewelry store ever," the majority are similarly glowing, but more personal, such as this one: "Not enough stars to rate Edmund’s!!! They helped my future son-in-law and I pick the perfect— and I mean perfect—stone and setting for my daughter. We needed the stone to be set in a hurry, as we underestimated time. They worked with us over the weekend to have it ready on time. This is my one and only jewelry place now. Honest,

"I still charge $5 for a watch battery," says Nageli, "and I probably will never change that no matter how many people say I'm crazy."

Edmund’s Jewelers is located at 761 Clairton Blvd. in Pleasant Hills, PA Phone: (412) 253-1686 Website: www.edmundsjewelers.com

Hank (l) and Dolly are regulars at Edmund's Jewelers, described to customers as "support dogs for grooms."

Smart Shipping: Keep Packages Safe from Theft

JEWELRY SHIPMENTS ARE FREQUENTLY the target of criminal activity because, unlike stolen cars or electronics, jewelry can have extensive resale value. Diamonds and gold can be easily liquidated through pawn shops or melted down for the material itself, and the market for fine jewelry is only likely to grow stronger over the years. Jewelry shipments also present an appetizing target because the security measures around them are significantly lower than something stored in a vault or armored car. Simply put, successfully absconding with your shipments, no matter how small, is a big win in the eyes of a criminal.

As criminals get smarter, staying informed of new and emerging threats to the well-being of your packages can save your business thousands, if not millions, of dollars. While it is easy to imagine today’s criminals are employing unimaginable tactics to get their hands on your pieces, the truth is the most successful criminals simply know how to spot and exploit a good opportunity. But while criminals are getting smarter, the jewelry community is pooling knowledge to make sure the pieces we all love stay protected during shipping.

In recent years, criminals in the shipping space have discovered more sophisticated approaches to getting their hands on your shipments. One of the most alarming approaches is called “Social Engineering.” Social engineering refers to the manipulation of people to obtain information or gain access to packages, such as impersonating customers, delivery companies, or even sister stores. This type of fraud

and theft can result in significant losses, damages, or liabilities for shippers, carriers, and customers.

To avoid the risks of fraud and theft, shippers should follow some best practices, such as:

•Use secure and appropriate packaging, and words and markings on labels and boxes that do not reveal the contents or value of the package.

•Use reliable and reputable carriers and avoid thirdparty or unknown carriers that may not have adequate security or service standards.

•Use signature confirmation, adult signature service, or other tracking features that provide proof of delivery and receipt of the package.

•Use insurance coverage, such as JM® Shipping Solution, which provides compensation in case of loss, damage, or theft.

•Strictly limit procedures allowing changes of address on shipments, and ensure these restrictions are in place with your carrier account.

•Be cautious when giving out the tracking number of a package. In the wrong hands, it can be used to reroute packages to thieves and fraudsters.

Criminals are constantly employing modern technology and tactics to try to get ahold of your valuable shipments, and staying one step ahead of them is critical for your long-term success. Your shipping information is currency, and it should be treated as such. Keep these tips in mind when engaging with couriers over the phone, email, or even face-to-face, and rely on JM® Shipping Solution to be a trusted partner in your smart shipping strategy. If you are attending JCK this year, be sure to visit the Jewelers Mutual booth to learn how this innovative resource can help you protect and grow your business in the years ahead.

For more information on fraud and theft on the rise in the shipping industry, we encourage you to look at our recent Jewelers Mutual Clarity Blog article, The State of the Shipping Industry in 2024.

Senior Spotlight

MEET RJO’S SIX GRADUATING SENIORS!

DREWSTREB SONOFSARAHSTREB

What does your mom do at RJO? She is the CEO. She runs shows.

What is your mom’s favorite part of her job? Spreadsheets.

What does RJO do?

RJO helps retail jewelry stores around the country get what they need for their business.

What activities are you involved with in high school? Football, basketball, track & field, baseball, musicals, and weightlifting.

What are your plans for after high school? I am going to attend Wartburg College [in Waverly, IA] and play football. I will major in business administration and economics.

What does your mom do at RJO? She helps bring in new members.

What is your mom’s favorite part of her job? Cake Fridays. Mr. Mehta [Prakash Mehta, from Interings.]

What does RJO do?

They are a co-op and help independent jewelers stock their stores and hold Buying Shows.

SARAHSTREB CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER

What activities are you involved with in high school?

Cross country, track and wrestling manager.

What are your plans for after high school? I will attend Graceland University [in Lamoni, IA] and run on their track and cross country teams. I will major in elementary education.

High school graduations are fast approaching everywhere, but at RJO Headquarters in Newton, IA, the anticipation is particularly palpable. This year, RJO’s staff members are celebrating six graduating seniors. The RJO team is excited to bring you a little glimpse into their personal lives by sharing these charming and talented graduates with all of you. Read above and below to meet these super seniors, and see what they know about RJO. As an added bit of nostalgia, the RJO staff has included their personal senior pictures from their high school glory days.

What does your mom do at RJO?

Her job title is Outreach Coordinator and does a lot of different things and she organizes people for sh

What is your mom ’ s favorite part of her job?

Traveling to the shows and helping people. She loves the MRC!

What does RJO do?

RJO gives small jewelry businesses a chance to with Kay’s and Jared’s and other big companies

What activities are you involved with in high Football, baseball, and golf

What are your plans for after high school?

I am going to attend Cornell College [in Mount and play football. I plan to major in sports admi

What does your mom do at RJO?

She files papers and answer the phones.

What is your mom ’ s favorite part of her job?

She loves to hype up the RJO team.

What does RJO do?

Helps clients with jewelry and stuff.

What activities are you involved with in high sc None, really.

What are your plans for after high school?

I will attend Indian Hills Community College [in Ottumwa, IA] and then the University of Iowa to major in Criminology

SABRINA SMEAD OUTREACH COORDINATOR

What does your mom do at RJO?

She is in charge of many different vendor’s statements each month and the costs of what they have to buy fo restock and what the sell.

What is your mom ’ s favorite part of her job? It’s a friendly place to work.

What does RJO do?

RJO deals with jewelry vendors and the costs of what they buy.

What activities are you involved with in high school? Golf, football, and basketball.

What are your plans for after high school? Join the workforce for NRE Homes [NorthRidge Estate Builders in Sully, IA].

What does your nana do at RJO? She travels to shows.

What is your nana ’ s favorite part of her jo She loves to travel to shows

What does RJO do? Sells jewelry

What activities are you involved with in hi Volleyball, dance/cheer team.

What are your plans for after high school? Join the workforce.

MILESTONE

David Evers Ettinger, co-owner (with wife Lori) of Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood, WV, passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2024, in Dallas, TX. He was 69. Our thoughts go out to the Ettinger family.

June 2024

NEW MEMBERS

Caves Jewelry

Christian Caves

Midlothian, TX

Referred by Josh Durham, Parker Jewelers, Carlisle, PA

Cottage Hill Diamonds

Jordan & Kurt Hill

Elmhurst, IL

Referred by Nancy Ecklund, Signature Jewelers, Grand Forks, ND

Farr’s Jewelry

Vern Farr

Ogden, UT

Referred by John Scavo, Legend Jewelry, Renton, WA

First People’s Jewelers

Frank Zangerl

Denton, TX

Referred by Parag Vaidya, Authentic Gem Imports (AGI), Dallas, TX

Graham Jewelers

Chris Graham

White Bear Lake, MN

Referred by Will Doland, Doland Jewelers, Dubuque, IA

Hugh’s Jewelers

Greg & Lee Grothe Brighton, CO

Referred by David Hulbert, SDC Creations, Renton, WA

J. West Jewelers

Joe & Kelli West

Round Rock, TX

Referred by Alan Lolinger, Bassali, Great Neck, NY and Paris 1901,Dallas, TX

Jewelry Box of Lakeland

Denise Curls

Lakeland, FL

Referred by IDD USA, New York, NY

Judith Arnell Jewelers

Judith Arnell Portland, OR

Referred by Aubre Ford, RDI Diamonds, Rochester, NY

Little’s Jewelers

Janice & Carroll Little

Tupelo & Corinth, MS

Referred by Jeff Wickersham, Wickersham Jewelry, Rothschild, WI

Lyla Jewelers

Lyla Ismael

Oak Lawn, IL

Referred by Rudy Rihner, Rihner’s Jewelers, Gretna, LA

M.K. Benatti Jewelers

Matt & Karyn Khatib

Newburyport, MA

Referred by Chris Romero, Stuller, Lafayette, LA

Mansour Jewelers

Michael Abdulky Ithaca, NY

Referred by Cameron Buys, DI Diamonds, Rochester, NY

Martin Jewellers

Heather Pahl

Shawano, WI

Referred by Ivan Levy, Levy Creations, Chicago, IL and Ralph Crivelli, Victor, Cincinnati, OH

Rome Jewelers (3rd Location)

Marc Sodini

Lebanon, OH

Zalman’s

Anneke & Brian Zifkin Berkley,

Thank you to the jewelers referring new members to our group. These jewelers will receive a $1,000 finder’s fee for their referral, payable after a new member has been in good standing for at least six months.