The United States Jewelry Council (USJC), a group of U.S.-based jewelry trade associations announced the addition of four new members taking its total member list to 13 associations. The new members include American Gem Trade Association (AGTA); Diamond Club West Coast (DCWC); National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) and Silver Promotion Service (SPS).

USJC as a body works to ensure the U.S. jewelry industry is collectively represented at government and international levels. The newest members join the list of associations who formed the Council in October 2015. These include American Gem Society (AGS); Diamond Bourse of Southeast United States (DBSE); Diamond Council of America (DCA); Diamond Dealers Club of New York (DDC); Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA); Indian Diamond and Colored Stone Association (IDCA); Jewelers of America (JA); Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA); Natural Color Diamond Association (NCDIA). The Council was formed when the individual associations to have greater influence in dealing with challenges facing the U.S. jewelry industry. The USJC members work together to address key issues, such as those of social, ethical and environmental importance that might impact consumer confidence in the U.S. jewelry industry.

The Council’s reach in the U.S. jewelry industry now represents the vast majority of the US jewelry industry, encompassing importers, manufacturers and retailers. The Council is a member of the World Diamond Council (WDC), and works to enhance the U.S. jewelry industry’s voice in the Kimberley Process. It further looks forward to influence global initiatives, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which are tied closely to consumer confidence in the U.S. market.