In recent days, it has been absolutely life affirming to see how our industry has responded to universal struggles. Without question, the world has been turned upside down in the past several weeks. Terms that many of us had never heard before, like “social distancing” and “flattening the curve” are now firmly entrenched in our day-to-day lexicon, and yet, resounding messages of hope and togetherness abound throughout our industry.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) launched a COVID-19 resource hub on their site which offers helpful legal resources, marketing and other relevant advice intended to help businesses in our industry get through the current crisis, while also offering online seminars to disseminate information and nurture a sense of togetherness. Over 100 jewelry designers and brands committed to donating a portion of their sales to No Kid Hungry, and all across social media, JA New York brands are doing their part to offer a sense of joy and hope to their followers.
Brands like Michael Bondanza, Beny Sofer and Hippie Chic by OP are posting messages of encouragement that feature jewelry that walks the talk, and many of our designers and brands are offering lenient payment terms on orders already processed and shipped. Meira T hosted both a giveaway (are we allowed to win?!), as well as a #createsparkle campaign that encourages people to wear their jewelry even when stuck inside, and designer Lika Behar posted mouthwatering images of some of her Social Distancing culinary efforts (can we get that recipe, Lika?!). The resounding messages throughout the jewelry industry have been of hope and encouragement, with everyone urging others to do the right thing and stay inside, and reminding everyone that we’re all in this together.
Italian stalwart brand Micheletto has long incorporated scenic Italian imagery in their social media posts and now, those messages are getting increasingly inspirational, with one particularly compelling post featuring a quote from Confucius, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”