New York—The Plumb Club has aligned itself with Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, positioning this partnership as a critical phase in its ongoing development. In remarks, Lawrence Hess, the organization’s executive director, revealed that beginning around 2017, The Plumb Club underwent a full restructuring. This shift led to a renewed focus on expanding its influence and shaping the future of the jewelry sector. Alongside this transformation, the group introduced a new slogan: “Educate. Innovate. Connect.” Since 2020, the industry, and the broader world, has faced significant disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on Russian diamond imports, surging gold prices, and trade tariffs, all of which created challenges for businesses.
Expanding Reach and Influence
The combination of these external pressures, along with the Federal Trade Commission’s upcoming review of the Jewelry Guides, scheduled to begin in 2028, prompted The Plumb Club to seek stronger collaboration. Hess emphasized that partnering with other industry groups was essential for maximizing impact.
This strategic move coincides with a leadership transition at The Plumb Club. In August, the group elected Steven Lerche, a representative of Goldstar LLC, as president of its executive committee, a position he now holds as its youngest-ever occupant. Hess noted that younger industry leaders, including Lerche, are increasingly engaged in political and external affairs that could affect business operations.
Collaboration and Advocacy
Founded in 1983 by a group of jewelry manufacturers as a social network, The Plumb Club has since grown into a key association for major suppliers and service providers. Hess explained that while many of its member firms were already affiliated with Jewelers of America, joining as an organization now grants additional members access to JA’s political action committee (JAPAC) and participation in the annual fly-in lobbying event in Washington, D.C. Hess attended the most recent 2026 fly-in last month, marking his first involvement as a JAPAC member. Additionally, Lerche and former president Roger Forman were elected to the JAPAC board, further strengthening the club’s representation.
S. fine jewelry businesses. By joining JA and enabling members to engage with JAPAC, The Plumb Club ensures that leaders from major manufacturers can advocate directly in Washington. Hess also highlighted JAPAC’s efforts to advance the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), which passed the House in May and awaits Senate approval.
JVC CEO and General Counsel Sara Yood announced that preparatory work for revising the Jewelry Guides will commence in 2027, with specialized committees addressing distinct areas. Though JVC’s legal experts possess deep knowledge of jewelry regulations, Yood stressed the importance of input from industry practitioners to refine recommendations for the FTC. The last revision process took six years, culminating in the July 2018 edition, which remains the current compliance standard. “The Plumb Club’s involvement will enhance our collaborative efforts.”
Yood further praised The Plumb Club’s expanding membership and its commitment to serving both suppliers and retailers. Yood appeared on the latest episode of The Plumb Club’s podcast, titled “Tariff Tactics to Protect Your Bottom Line.”
