In the Loupe May 2020 Edition

I N

T H E

LOUPE

The Premier Jewelers Cooperative

M a y 2 0 2 0 • I s s u e 91 COVID-19

NEWS RJO's Summer Buying Show is still scheduled for July, and the RJO Board is determined to host the Show, if it is at all possible. Decisions will be based on guidance received from the state of Missouri and the city of St. Louis, and members will be alerted to any changes via email. A digital Registration Packet is currently planned to be available May 18, two weeks later than originally planned. A printed copy is planned to be mailed a week or so later.

• • • RJO's Board and management are continually monitoring financial concerns, specifically: • RJO's vendor payment guarantee responsibilities • RJO retail members’ ability to make payments • RJO's second-half dividend payment As decisions regarding these important areas are made, members will be alerted via email.

THE CURRENT PANDEMIC has hit us all like an unexpected storm.

Everyone—from RJO members and vendors to our customers, from our employees to our family and friends—has been affected with little warning, and it has caused great uncertainty and challenging conditions. And it has not left us yet.

As we navigate the many unknowns that lie in the road ahead, we see some encouraging light. Each day brings announcements of states opening a bit more, allowing retail a chance to get back on its feet.

During this time, RJO wants to know more about what our retailers and vendors feel they need or want to see from the organization and their RJO partners. To help us find out, we are asking members to fill out this survey before Friday, May 15.

Vendors please complete this survey before Friday, May 15.

The health and safety of our member and vendor partners is of the utmost importance during this time, and inside you'll read more about RJO, its members, and the faith we have in being RJO Strong.

Inside Messages from: - RJO CEO Sarah Streb - RJO Foundation President Mike Pribyl - RJO Board Member Nancy Marchell - RJO Member Ivan Levy

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In the Know with RJO

RJO Strong IN THIS SPACE LAST ISSUE, I addressed how wonderful it was to be gathered together with RJO members at our Winter Buying Show, emphasizing the importance of being with one another to form a strong partnership. Some of the phrases I used specifically highlighted physical closeness, such as “friendliness buzzed around me,” and “we collectively work.”

Fast forward a few weeks to March 16, and I was sending out an email to all members about the dangers of closeness due to COVID-19. The irony is heartbreaking.

Jewelers have joined their retail colleagues across the country in navigating this uncharted territory, and the immediate effect it has had on our economy, our businesses, our employees, and our families is remarkable. I haven’t heard of any retailer who included “worldwide pandemic” in their preparedness planning, and I’ll bet it has never shown up on anyone’s SWOT analysis. The result is many have found themselves directionless as they wait to hear about federal financial help, state and local ordinances, and health updates regarding friends and family.

On a personal front, the seriousness of the virus first hit home for me when I learned of the death of my beloved high school PE teacher. A wellrespected man, who seemed to be in top physical shape even at 73, he passed away in early April after fighting the virus for weeks. Coach D, as we referred to him, was not just a coach for athletes, he was an advocate for all kids’ health. He wanted to push kids to their potential and see them succeed all while playing Frank Sinatra over the

gym loudspeakers throughout the day. Rest in peace, Coach DeMarco.

So in this serious time, you need a serious partner to be with you on your journey, and you have that in RJO. Your RJO Board represents some of the finest and most-experienced minds in independent retail jewelry, and we have been quick in executing appropriate and important communications and interventions since Day One. We are monitoring retail-related news and sharing significant developments immediately. We are helping members work together and individually (from a distance) regarding financial obligations, which are so incredibly important to this organization. We are working ahead to make the best decisions regarding future RJO events, such as Buying Shows, Board meetings, and the Next Gen Experience. As events change, we will let you know immediately. We are practicing social distancing by having RJO office staff work remotely, and we haven’t missed a beat.

Please check daily for RJO email messages, check our RJO Exclusive Facebook page, take time to read this issue, and be sure to be in contact with your other trusted RJO members. Despite the uncharted nature of this sudden change, RJO is here to turn directionless into tangible paths forward.

Be well,

Sarah Streb RJO CEO

RJO BOARD NEWS RJO BOARD ELECTIONS are typically held in April and May. Due to our focus on COVID-19 concerns, these elections, at the moment, have been postponed until later this year. Information will be sent as warranted.

The RJO Board has consistent communication with both the management of RJO, as well as the Vendor Advisory Committee, on all topics pertinent to the organization. This includes, but is not limited to: Buying Show planning, vendor payments, deferral opportunities, and external communications. The Board continues to lead the organization with professionalism and expertise as we move through this health epidemic.

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From RJO’s Facebook Page SERVICES Centralized Billing

THE RJO PAGE ON FACEBOOK hosts a variety of interesting discussions every day. Here is an edited exchange from a posting in late April by Andy Boundy of RJO vendor VRB Internet Solutions:

Patronage Dividend RJO Website (rjomembers.com) Buying Shows (Fall/Spring) In the Loupe – RJO’s newsletter Free Print and Radio Ad Library (on the RJO website) Educational Seminars

Post: At a time when bad news seems to be all around, I did want to share this (see line chart below). It's a Google Trends graph. Basically, it shows the frequency of searches—linked to interest in a subject by the public—for the word "Jewelry" over the last three months. As you would expect, it dipped greatly in mid-March, but the reason for my post is to highlight a steady 3-4 week trending increase since then. While this may not translate directly into dollars in your pocket today, it's nice to know consumer interest in the sector is recovering. Hope you're all safe and well.

(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)

Reply One: Thanks for sharing this good data with us. Surprisingly we’ve seen a number of our websites have their web traffic increase since the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting lockdown. Website sales on our platform are more than double what they were last year, for the previous 30 days (year-over-year) too.

Reply Two: Our traffic has increased, but I don’t think it’s surprising.

I have to believe the vast majority of Americans are still employed and plugging along from home.

Reply Three: I have noticed more messages from Podium—and directly to me—over the last week or so. Dramatic increase. Thanks for the info, Andrew!

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 Private Label Credit Card Service JewelConnect Scholarship Opportunities (from the RJO Foundation)

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A Letter from the RJO Foundation President War II veteran, and he seemed to have all the answers. He’s not here now for our family, and it seems like I’ve taken his place. My kids are constantly calling me—or FaceTime-ing me and Lisa—and now we’re the ones who are expected to provide the wisdom.

Well, I don’t have a lot of wisdom, but what I do know is this too will pass. If you can possibly get through this, things will get better.

Possibly maybe much better.

People will still have memories to commemorate, such as birthdays and anniversaries, and if we can stick it out long enough, the business will be there.

TO MY RJO FRIENDS, Regarding this international phenomenon, COVID-19: Nobody knows what to do.

I’ve told so many friends I wish my Dad was here to give me some wisdom. He lived through the Great Depression and was a World

Humorist Will Rogers once said, “The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing for you, if you don’t let it get the best of you.” This might be true. I can see our country bouncing back and being more patient and lovable.

Summer Buying Show The RJO Board is excited to move ahead with our planning of the Meet Me in St. Louis Buying Show in July, but ultimately final decisions are going to depend on the state of Missouri and direction from the city of St. Louis.

“We are basically in a waiting game for the next few weeks,” says RJO CEO Sarah Streb, “with all efforts being made to host the Show.”

I’ve seen this already with the few people I’ve dealt with in the interim.

Yes, we will live through this. We have to be strong. Think about who looks up to you, and be there for them. I know it’s hard, but be strong. Be that stealth one now, that other people need. Be that positive one that says, “We’ll get through this” and “We’ll make it out all right.”

As the President of the RJO Foundation, I want you all to know I’m here for you now. I’ll talk to anybody, anytime, to just get through this. The main thing to remember is we will get through this. There will be a new normal, but we will have to adapt and adjust.

Mike Pribyl Cahill-Pribyl Jewelry & Gifts Keokuk, IA

RJO Next Gen Experience The Next Gen Experience scheduled for May has been postponed to September 19 – 21, 2020, in Oak Brook, IL. The Experience will feature a revised curriculum, and attendees will work with other stores preparing for the future, through receptions, group dinners, roundtables, and curriculum sessions focusing on personal and business development.

Next Gen was developed to aid the next generation of retail jewelers in preparing for the future of our industry and their business.

Does RJO Have Your Most Up-to-Date Email Addresses?

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

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COVID-19 Webinar Series Offerings Grow While RJO members confront the effects this pandemic has presented, many RJO vendors are offering educational opportunities to share information on navigating this new business environment.

Please check out these free webinars, and watch your emails— and the RJO Facebook Exclusive Page—for additional topics.

UPCOMING WEBINARS Adopting New, Easy-to-Use Techniques During the Crisis GN Diamond Thursday, April 30, 2020 - 12 pm CST Please join Asaf Herskovitz, CEO of GN Diamond, in a private webinar for RJO retailers where he will present easy-touse, sales techniques to help increase diamond sales, increase foot traffic when open, increase online sales traffic, and increase referrals. This Mine-toCounter 4 Cs education will give you a competitive advantage, once everything opens, and current tips for online sales.

Click here to register for this webinar

Business Protection: Disaster Planning, Response, Recovery Federated Insurance Tuesday, May 5, 2020 - 1 pm CST Disasters of any type can be costly and even result in permanent closure. Taking steps to prepare and plan for potential disasters, both natural and man-made, will help businesses minimize disruption and recover more efficiently. Two programs—OFB-EZ and EZ-PREP—help owners protect their business’ bottom line, their employees, and create a more resilient community.

Click here to register for this webinar

Edge Retail Academy Edge Retail Academy presents several webinars on a variety of subject matters each week.

Click here to view a listing of the webinars and to register

RECORDED WEBINARS Retailing from Afar Podium With the new reality and challenges we are facing, having the ability to stay in communication with your customers in a more modern way is critical. In this webinar you will learn how to keep your business running smoothly through leveraging Podium’s software services.

We will be sharing examples of how retailers all over the country are successfully continuing to run their businesses, even in the midst of the outbreak. You will walk away with tips and tricks you can implement today, to help you communicate better with your customers and sell more. Come learn how you can keep your store running while most of the country is shut down.

Click here to view this webinar

Learn about INOX Men’s Branded E-Stores INOX INOX Men’s Jewelry has figured out a way to keep business going for your store despite the closed doors. Join us to learn more about the free INOX Branded Microsite we are offering RJO members.

We will build the site with your logo, manage the inventory, fulfill the orders, and then send you a check. All you need to do is promote it to your customers.

Click here to view this webinar

How Retailers Can Use and Benefit from the VDB Marketplace and Suite of Apps Virtual Diamond Boutique Liz Stamm, VP of Business Development for Virtual Diamond Boutique, shows you how retailers can use the VDB marketplace and the full VDB suite of apps to search, source, and buy, as well as work with consumers to prospect, build relationships, and sell more jewelry!

Click here to view this webinar

How to Use VDB as a Marketplace and Sales Tool for Suppliers Virtual Diamond Boutique Karen Knox, Director of Vendor Services for VDB, shows you how to use VDB as a powerful marketplace for diamonds, gemstones, jewelry, and lab-grown. VDB goes far beyond the typical marketplace as a digital B2B platform.

Click here to view this webinar

Managing Through the Crisis: How to Address Your Financials and Marketing Edge Retail Academy The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a major disruption of business for jewelry retailers. In this webinar, Trace Shelton, Sherry Smith, and Andrea Hill discuss tactics and specific solutions for jewelers.

Click here to view this webinar

Helping Small Businesses Connect with Federal Assistance National Development Council This working session will take a deeper look at how small businesses can connect with federal assistance during the COVID-19 Crisis. Topics will include understanding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) vs. Economic Disaster Injury Loan (EDIL) and looking at resources, such as establishing local Revolving Loan Funds (RFLs) to support local businesses while they’re waiting to connect with federal assistance.

Click here to view this webinar

Demystifying SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans The National Cooperative Business Association A webinar on demystifying the application process for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Click here to view this webinar

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Vendor Profile

Levy Creations: Marking 50 Years of Excellence IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO, about one-and-a-half blocks west of Millennium Park, is the factory and office of Levy Creations, a manufacturer specializing in fine bridal jewelry. A well-known vendor at RJO Buying Shows, the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Daily operations of the company are led by Israel Levy and his son Noah, who are often rushing out the next CAD design to an eager client. Creative marketing and sales is managed by Israel’s nephew Ivan Levi. When asked what they would like RJO members to know about the company, the discussion did not highlight that they offer a full line of fine bridal jewelry, specializing in diamond engagement rings and wedding rings, or that the company also offers custom CAD design and special orders upon request. No, the focus was nearly completely on its founder Israel (Izzy) Levy.

Izzy Levy is truly a veteran, not only of the jewelry industry, but also serving two tours of duty in the Navy.

Ivan says it’s no wonder that for more than 50 years, he’s the kind of man many look to as a mentor.

"If you know Izzy, you’ve experienced his unique charisma and an unending love of helping others," says Ivan. "Izzy often gets questions like, 'With all the changes happening within the jewelry industry, what do you think is the best way for one to thrive as they look ahead to the next five years?' Depending on the situation, he’s been known to reply with a grin: 'I wish I had a crystal ball,' and yet, sometimes, he ponders and puts on his serious face, and his infinite experience and wisdom reveals itself.”

Ivan says his uncle believes there are things one cannot compromise in business, such as integrity, always demonstrating your knowledge and commitment to the quality of the product you sell, never letting others lose sight of the value you place on the relationships you foster with your customers, as well as nurturing kindness, respect, and gratitude.

Noah says his father learned the diamond trade in Israel, and after five years met a mentor who would change his life. He became an apprentice to one of the greatest diamond cutters in the world, a legendary jeweler known as Mr. Van Hoof.

"He was truly a master," says Izzy, "and one of the finest men I ever met. He understood the only way to do things was the right way. It was this basic honorable philosophy that became the basis of my early professional education and guided my understanding

of creating and growing a good business. Quality truly does mean everything and simply cannot be compromised. For these experiences and invaluable lessons, I am forever grateful."

Soon after Izzy became a cutter, he visited the U.S. and discovered a love for the people, the culture, and the American way of life. He started his business in 1970, and although he had a rough start—like breaking a few stones and losing a few others—it’s how he learned back then and how he continues to learn today, striving to get better at his always-evolving craft.

Izzy loves to tell stories, pulling them from a history that is both colorful and vast.

“I started in the jewelry business at the age of 11 in Casablanca, Morocco," he says. "I used to lie to my parents about going to school; actually, I was Have faith in yourself working to make a few and your people, dollars. I liked the jewelry business so much I decided employees, and it was more important than vendors. Keep things school.”

simple. With all the

Unknown to most, Izzy doom and gloom, served in the U.S. Navy we still need to have during the Vietnam conflict, hope. It's time to be from 1966-1970, on the grateful for the USS Coral Sea, a recently decommissioned aircraft people who did carrier. As a jet engine something for you. mechanic, Izzy found once - Izzy Levy again that precision and doing things the right way served him well, fully understanding if things were not as they should be, the consequences were unimaginable. He credits this military experience with two “life lessons” he believes are the true reasons for his success.

“The greatest thing I learned from the military,” he says, "was simply that you truly had a person’s back, and they had yours. The second is the importance of respect.” At 76, Izzy still works in his office full-time, and he’s still willing to offer some sharpened advice when it comes to looking forward during the unusual times we're currently in.

Levy Creations is located at 29 E. Madison St., Suite 700 in Chicago, IL. Phone: (800) 621-0496 Website: www.levycreations.com

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#RJOStrong

Five Lessons Learned: Facing the Year Ahead

By RJO Board member Nancy Marchell of Signature Jewelers in Grand Forks, ND.

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.

That quote from A Tale of Two Cities has come to my mind many times in the past week, as everyone is dealing with uncertainty and wondering how this pandemic will continue to impact our world as we know it. This February I hired a new employee with great potential.

So far her only experience at my store has been watching business grind to a halt. Like all of you, I am sitting here wondering what to do next. I’ve been doing my best to remain positive, and I am reminded I have survived worse things!

Four years after I opened my store, I was geared up for a great holiday season. At the end of November I hosted an incredible business function with our Chamber of Commerce members, only to have a story hit the newspaper a week later about how the largest tenant in our mall had not paid their rent and owed the city more than $200,000. The daily articles became derogatory for stable businesses, stating no one paid their rent, we were all suffering, and the mall should be closed. It didn’t matter the articles were incorrect and retracted later— business dropped to zero for the rest of the holiday season. There I sat, with almost all my Christmas inventory—and no way to pay for it. I was devastated.

I am sure most everyone can relate to my story today, as we are facing a similar situation. No one could have predicted 2020 would start

this way. As a fellow RJO jeweler, my message to you is this: Don’t lose hope. I know times like this are trying, and we are all wondering what to do next. Here’s what I learned from my 2006 holiday season, and I think it can help us all during our current situation:

Be proactive Get ahead of the crisis. Business has been changing daily, and the best thing we can do is assess our cash flow for the next 3-6 months and figure out what we need to keep our business alive.

Be responsible At the end of the day—no matter what impacts our business—it is our responsibility to take ownership of what is happening and figure out the best way to deal with our business situation.

Ask for help If you have an independent bank you deal with, reach out to them now. Most independent community banks are just like independent jewelers; they focus on relationships and want to keep small businesses alive. Talk with your accountant and learn about the SBA and other programs put in place to help during this crisis. See if you can pause your advertising contracts or other commitments, to free up cash flow and decrease expenses. And—if needed—reach out to your vendors to see if they can extend terms.

Stay positive and productive As they say: Attitude is everything!

We can’t change these circumstances, but we are in charge of how they affect us. Take time to do the things you never have time to do, such as organize

your thoughts and plans … and even your work bench! Do some spring cleaning in your business and at home. Be thankful for the extra time you have with your family. And remember: This too shall pass!

Believe in new beginnings The sun will come out tomorrow.

By pausing life and making plans for how you can jump start business when things return to normal, you can restart with more passion and enthusiasm than you had before this crisis. Your customers will be excited when they can walk back through your door, so think of something creative to welcome them back.

Your store can have a new surge of energy and growth.

What I hope you will take away from my story is that, 13 years later, I’m still here. I survived because of the lessons I learned, and in spite of what seemed like “the worst of times,” my business recovered and grew. The business challenges I faced in the past prepared me for what is happening now. Today’s challenges will prepare us for our future successes.

But more important than what I learned on my own, is what I have gained from the support network I found when I joined RJO. We are RJO. We are a strong organization, with the best jewelers and vendor partners and incredible leadership.

RJO has grown to be the premier buying group in the country, and as we face and overcome this pandemic hurdle, we will be even stronger together. We can do this!

Together we are #RJOStrong.

FAMILY. DIVIDEND. SUPPORT. BUYING POWER.

RJO Members Lending a Helping Hand

Hope Knows No Quarantine: A National Response IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19, Gems by Pancis has kicked-started a Heart of Hope Jewelry Giveaway/ Promotion with J. Thomas Jewelers out of Rochester Hills, MI.

to a local restaurant, to provide free meals to healthcare workers and first responders.

Gems by Pancis has taken this opportunity to scale this "We are giving away a Gems by with its independent retail Pancis Heart of Hope® to a local clients, since many retail healthcare or first responder jewelers are impacted, worker every week," says Noreen Pancis' efforts help retailers Meganck of J. Thomas Jewelers. create a grassroots approach The store accepts nominees on of giving back in their market. their Facebook page. An To learn more about the announcement of the store's most Heart of Hope jewelry or recent winner may be seen to the "Hope Knows No right. Also, J. Thomas Jewelers is Quarantine," visit offering purchases of the Heart of either Gems by Hope® pendant, and they are Pancis or J. Thomas Jewelers. donating 100 percent of the profit ERICA DELGARDO of Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs in Houston, TX, has IVAN LEVI, A LONGTIME RJO VENDOR with Levy been spending Creations, uploaded a video about gratitude onto some of her social the RJO Exclusive Facebook page in mid-April. Due distancing time with to the popularity of the upbeat responses, In the daughter Bella Loupe asked Levi to offer a message to RJO (right), making members as the pandemic continues. You may masks for family, view it by clicking friends, and her on his photo community. below.

Mask Maker, Mask Maker

A Message about Gratitude

To learn more about Levi's efforts in spreading gratitude, his writings on the topic, and to view more videos, visit his website, Forever Thank You.

“Our county is mandating face masks if you are out in public," says DelGardo, "so I started making masks and teaching Bella how to use the sewing machine. I got the pattern from Chloe Dao’s Instagram account. She is a Project Runway winner and fashion designer, and she is here in Houston."

"They take about 15 minutes each," she says, "but since I was teaching my 11-year-old how to sew, the first three took a lot longer. I wanted to make some with a diamond pattern fabric for work, but the fabric won’t arrive till after we are done wearing the masks."

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Jewelers Mutual Group

Keeping Your Jewelry Business Secure During a Shutdown DUE TO THE COIVD-19 pandemic, most states required the closing of all non-essential business, including jewelry businesses. With stores closed, burglaries and cyber-attacks pose a very real threat to your business and can result in significant losses.

Make sure your jewelry store and online security is strong not only during challenging times, but for the rest of the year.

Neglecting security measures early on could leave your business exposed. Plus, not getting in the habit of security best practices will only get more difficult to change Here are a few important steps to take for a quick check on your overall store security.

STORE SECURITY Move your inventory to a vault or secured storage facility. Do not leave items in plain sight or in showcases. If you cannot get your stock to a bank vault or secured storage facility, here are some security recommendations for your inventory: • Secure as much property as possible inside your safe.

• Consider the use of a bank safety deposit box for inventory that cannot be placed into your safe or vault or at the very least, locked in a room inside the premises.

Verify every alarm signal with your alarm monitoring facility.

While safes and vaults are critical to limiting the amount of merchandise stolen in burglaries, criminals have proven time and again that, if given enough time,

they can compromise the most durable of security equipment.

That’s why your alarm system — and your relationship with your alarm system provider — is so valuable. If an alarm signal does go off, do not ignore it! Take immediate action!

Contact your alarm system provider to ensure your alarm is providing the protection your business needs.

Don’t post photos that reveal the layout of your store or merchandise displays anywhere online. This includes resources your customers may use to find you such as Google My Business or Yelp. It can be tempting to give virtual tours of your store as a way to connect with customers through social media while your business is closed, however, there is plenty of other content to share that would engage your customers without putting you or your store in jeopardy.

Obtain from the landlord or property management (if applicable) a copy of their business continuity plan and the process you can use in the event of an alarm notification.

Create a plan for any deliveries or shipments while your store is closed.

Follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada for guidance.

SAFETY AND SECURITY EDUCATION FOR JEWELRY BUSINESSES It’s a great time to learn more about loss prevention for your business. Jewelers Mutual is providing access at no cost to the entire jewelry community to JM University® during this time — an online learning tool that includes interactive modules that focus on topics such as:

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Safeguard your property — and yourself — while away from your business

Enable your closed-to-business practices, and review your insurance coverage.

• Identify potential weaknesses in your security

Do not advertise your business is closed for an extended period due to COVID-19, as that could make you a target for burglary.

To make sure all facets of your business are properly covered, work with an agent that is an expert in jewelers block insurance.

Provide local law enforcement with current contact numbers.

Maintain copies of inventory records and employee, vendor, supplier, agent, and customer contact information at an offsite location.

To find an agent and learn more about Jewelers Mutual’s comprehensive business coverage or programs, contact Jewelers Mutual at 800-336-5642, ext.

2118 or email: sales@jminsure.com

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COV-FUR STORY

Jewelers’ Best Friends The Centers for Disease Control has been in the news quite a bit lately, but forgive us if we highlight one more guidance. Found here, the Centers' report correlates bonding with a number of health benefits, which we can all use right now.

Studies have shown the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include: • Decreased blood pressure • Decreased cholesterol levels • Decreased triglyceride levels • Decreased feelings of loneliness • Increased opportunities for exercise While this is all well and good, most pet owners don't have them for their health; they have them because they're cute, cuddly, and sometimes even store colleagues.

We asked members to share photos of their pets, and they delivered. Be sure to take some time to enjoy all the good boys and good girls.

Chewy Nacol’s Jewelry Wichita Falls, TX FAMILY. DIVIDEND. SUPPORT. BUYING POWER.

Coco Danwerke International Little Rock, AR

Layla R.C. Wahl Jewelers Des Plaines, IL

Grant JC Jewelry & Watches Winter Haven, FL

Bruno Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs Houston, TX

Miguel Setterberg Jewelers Sun City, AZ

Hadley Wink's Fine Jewelry Bookings, SD Gemma Gold Thumb Jewelry Creations Frederick, MD

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Roxy VRB Internet Solutions Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Stella Performance Concepts Montgomery Village, MD

Ellie Mae T. Simon Jewelers Sturgeon Bay, WI

Blue Kim's Fine Jewelry Summerville, SC

Leo Cahill-Pribyl Jewelry and Gifts Keokuk, IA

Sadie and Bentley Creative Jewelers Kill Devil Hills, NC FAMILY. DIVIDEND. SUPPORT. BUYING POWER.

Ruby Z's Fine Jewelry Peoria, AZ

Lexi and Misty Stonecraft Jewelers Elko, NV

Louis Erin Sharp RJO

Elmo Heritage Jewelers Shelbyville, TN

Buster Makepeace Jewelers Watertown, SD

Rosie G.A. Pope Fine Jewelry Hendersonville, NC

Miss Daisy and Miss Bailey D. William Jewelers Ukiah, CA

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MILESTONES Richard Henefer, owner of Don Henefer Jewelers in Florissant, MO, passed away on April 18, 2020. He was 76.

Julio Ramirez, a sales representative for MK Diamonds & Jewelry in Los Angeles, CA, died on March 16, 2020. He was 43.

Evelyn K. Wedel, owner of former RJO vendor Iowa Jewelers Supply in Des Moines, IA, passed away March 11, 2020, at the of 95.

Our thoughts go out to all of the families.

CALENDAR May 2020

F

June 2020

10 Mother's Day

10 All payments must be received in RJO Office

11 All payments must be received in RJO Office

10 Member Show Registration deadline

18 Retailer and Vendor Summer Buying Show Registration opens 22 All invoices must be received in RJO Office

21 Father's Day 22 All invoices must be received in RJO Office

25 Memorial Day — RJO Office is closed

NEW MEMBERS Bulow Jeweler Avi Bulow and Stephanie Raub Denver, CO Referred by Missy Wiggs, Stuller, Lafayette, LA

Cowardin’s Jewelers Brian and Taylor Cowardin Richmond, VA Referred by Alison Kaufman, Van Nuys, CA

Grace Marie Elise and Mike Rose Lynchburg, VA

Carlson Jewelers Tim Carlson Ellicott City, MD Referred by Shane Decker, Ex-Sell-Ence, Monument, CO; and Anne Ards, RDI Diamonds, Rochester, NY

Jewelry Expressions Hans and Lynn Allwicher Cornelia, GA

Rauch’s Jewelry June Bierman Newton, IL Referred by Karen Engler, Shah Group, New York, NY; and Erine Helmenway, TR Jewelry Concepts, Rapid City, SD

Ray Harp Jewelers Jon and Tamy Head Atlanta, TX

Referred by Prashant Mehta, Diamond Expressions, New York, NY

Referred by John Dupont, GemsOne, New York, NY

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.

FAMILY. DIVIDEND. SUPPORT. BUYING POWER.