Introducing the Tools in Hand Project
The Georgia Jewelers Association, in partnership with the Geller Blue Book, is proud to announce that it has received funding through the Jewelers of America Impact Initiative to promote bench jeweler careers in Georgia and across the Southeast.
The Tools in Hand project is designed to increase the number of educated, skilled, and employable bench jewelers throughout our state and region. Through this initiative, we will connect with local communities and introduce young people and job seekers to the opportunities available in the jewelry industry.
Our outreach will include:
• Visits to high schools, trade schools, and job fairs
• Informational sessions for young people interested in entering the workforce
• Hands-on presentations and demonstrations led by Georgia Jewelers Association members
By placing gemstones, gold, and tools directly into the hands of young people, we believe we can spark the same passion for the jewelry industry that has inspired so many of us. Tools in Hand is an investment in the future of our trade and in the next generation of bench jewelers.
For Retailers and Bench Jewelers
The most common concern we hear from our retail members is the growing need for skilled bench jewelers in retail stores across Georgia. The Tools in Hand project is designed to help address that need while strengthening the future of the jewelry industry in our state.
Georgia Jewelers Association members are invited to participate in events in their local communities. Funding will be provided to help compensate participants for their time, support their involvement, and cover supplies needed to promote bench jeweler careers.
Participating may benefit retailers by:
• Increasing visibility and involvement in their local communities
• Encouraging residents and students to explore careers in the jewelry industry
• Connecting with potential future employees during or after their education
• Helping reduce pressure on current staff by growing the pool of skilled bench workers
• Supporting faster, more timely repair service for customers
We hope the compensation provided through this program will help offset some of the financial burden our stores are enduring, including the rising costs many businesses face.
How to Participate
If you are a retail store owner or bench jeweler in Georgia and believe your store could benefit from the Tools in Hand Project, please can register through the Georgia Jewelers Association website in a few months or visit our GJA booth at the Atlanta Jewelry Show August 22nd-23rd, 2026. You can also email Janie Churchey at Sarahjchurchey@gmail.com. Priority will be given to Georgia Jewelers Association member stores.
If you are not currently a member, we would be pleased to welcome you into the organization. Once you join, we encourage you to register for the program and take part in this statewide effort.
As always, the Georgia Jewelers Association is committed to supporting and serving jewelry businesses across the state. By working together, Georgia retailers can strengthen the bench jeweler workforce, reduce pressure on current staff, improve repair turnaround times, and make a lasting impact on the future of our industry.
Sponsors, Vendors and Donations
The Georgia Jewelers Association believes the Tools in Hand project will strengthen our value to retailers while helping introduce new bench jewelers to the businesses and suppliers that support our industry.
Your advertising and sponsorship support will help ensure that your business is one of the first names new bench jewelers encounter as they enter the field. This increased visibility can build name recognition and give industry newcomers early knowledge of and access to your goods or services.
Sponsors will be recognized through:
• Inclusion on handouts and informational materials distributed to prospective employees and students
• Visibility at presentations, demonstrations, speeches, and community outreach events
• Association with a statewide effort to promote employment and strengthen the jewelry workforce
We appreciate your support and loyalty, and we would be honored to include your business as we promote careers in the jewelry industry.
Requested Materials
If you would like to support this initiative, we are seeking donated stones, tools, and equipment that can be used for demonstrations, hands-on activities, and event prizes.
Useful stone donations include:
• Breakouts, melee, broken stones, and lower-quality gemstones
• Lab-created diamonds between one-half carat and one carat
• Other stones that may no longer be usable in your regular business operations
While we do not want to place fine gemstones into the hands of young people, a small number of nicer stones may be used as prizes during speeches and events.
We are also seeking tool and equipment donations, including:
• Extra tools you no longer use
• Partially broken or inaccurate equipment
• Tweezers, loupes, burs, plyers, metals, soldering supplies, solder, safety glasses, gloves, drill bits
No donation is too small. The purpose of our organization is to accomplish together what individual businesses may not be able to achieve alone.
Please mark gemstones with identifying information and mail them to:
Tools in Hand
P.O. Box 5
Tucker, GA 30085