Jewelers helping first responders

MARQUETTE — Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers has teamed up with Jewelry Innovations, a manufacturer and distributer of fine jewelry and developer of high-tech jewelry alloys, to help first responders stay safe while wearing jewelry on the job.

The company is providing free silicone rings for America’s first responders – police, firefighters and paramedics – along with ring removal tools, instructions and basic ring safety tips for both on and off the job.

“I’ve heard so many horror stories of ring removal in the field,” said Chris Wattsson, owner of Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers. “As a pyrotechnician, I get to meet a lot of the men and women serving our community as first responders. When I heard about this program, I knew it was something I wanted to provide to first responders in Marquette County, and eventually the entire Upper Peninsula.”

Wattsson & Wattsson worked with Jewelry Innovations to assemble kits that include ring removal equipment and safety instructions. This year, Wattsson & Wattsson plans to get the safety tools to 10 organizations, including EMS, fire departments, sheriff’s office personnel and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“The program’s goal is to help keep safe the ones who keep all of us safe” said Harry Rosenthal, CEO of Jewelry Innovations. “We started this pretty casually in one small city, and it just took off. Now there are retailers sponsoring first responders in communities all across America.”

In addition, all EMS, Fire Fighters, Police Officers and Coast Guard members can stop into Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers with proof of their status as a first responder to order a free silicone rubber ring.

Retailers or first responders who would like more information on the program are encouraged to contact Jewelry Innovations, or a jewelry retail store in their communities.