Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Feel-Good Friday: Meet a Rescue Dog Named Diamond
And puppies named Emerald, Opal and Tanzanite, who rescuers are trying to bring to the U.S. from a Korean slaughterhouse.
![Meet Diamond, a retriever puppy born into a dog slaughterhouse in South Korea. Jewelry industry members are contributing to fund his, and other dogs and puppies’, medical care, boarding and flight fees to bring them to the U.S. for adoption. 20203131_Diamond.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1d001a68e99eca3d9d89069363be3ec4.jpg)
The jewelry industry loves dogs.
I learned as much at one edition of American Gem Society’s annual Conclave event, when Omi Gems and Omi Prive’s Manos Phoundoulakis brought one of his two beloved rescue pups, a German Shepherd named Boots, to raise awareness about rescues.
Manos and his wife rescued Boots from a Chinese slaughterhouse.
I learned that millions of dogs are consumed in Asia each year, often slaughtered in a painful fashion, stemming from beliefs that torturing the animal tenderizes the meat.
The experience stuck with me.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by ASHLEY 〰️ Jewelry Editor (@ashleylikesgems) on Jan 26, 2020 at 10:27am PST
In 2018, my local New York City animal shelter, Animal Haven, posted on Instagram about one of their canine alumni rescued from a meat farm in South Korea, where it is legal to breed and raise dogs for slaughter.
They linked to the dog’s rescuers, two young women in South Korea, Annie Ham and Ivy Yoon, who physically went in to dog meat farms, trying to remove dogs and get them adopted in the U.S. (in Korea, there is a negative stigma surrounding adoption of meat farm dogs).
Following them on social media led me to adopt my own Korean slaughterhouse rescue in 2018, a shy and very loving boy named Sandwich.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by ASHLEY 〰️ Jewelry Editor (@ashleylikesgems) on Jan 30, 2020 at 10:25am PST
This month, Ivy and Annie were working on a rescue of 65 dogs from a meat farm when they learned of another slaughterhouse fellow volunteers were trying to shut down in a city called Anseong. There, volunteers witnessed the dogs that died from sickness on the farm being fed to the others.
Annie and Ivy were already desperately searching for funds to pay for vet bills for their 65-dog rescue. I realized this was my time to pay forward what they had done for me, rescuing my fur child from the meat trade.
A week ago, I started a GoFundMe that now goes directly to 501c3 Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, a dog rescue that was created to adopt out Korean meat trade survivors and is funneling every single donated penny to the Anseong dogs.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by ASHLEY 〰️ Jewelry Editor (@ashleylikesgems) on Jan 23, 2020 at 2:05pm PST
With my fundraising promises intact, Annie and Ivy did the impossible, going to the Anseong dog farm and pulling out 16 puppies and dogs. Since then, they have pulled nine more.
These dogs are remarkable in part because they are extremely friendly and trusting of humans, leading volunteers to believe dogs were not slaughtered on-site but sold to other farmers for butchering.
![](/rails/active_storage/blobs/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBZ2dSIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--4955eb5b4a8747e2348c87db7d86dd860e4276c4/20203131_ChiOn.jpg)
Treatment requires up to a couple of months of daily in-patient care at the vet, quarantined from other dogs. While cheaper than this would be in the U.S., this will cost us up to $3,000 per puppy.
With the cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinating, boarding, flight fees and paperwork for each dog to fly to America, and especially the high costs of the sick puppies, we are looking at about a total bill of $25,000. We’re also hoping to rescue more from the farm.
We’re still naming all of the pups, but considering how precious each one is, I thought it only fitting that some be called: Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Opal, Alexandrite, Gemma, Bijou, Gypsy Ring and Goldie.
This friendly, loving bunch is what we call “highly adoptable” in the rescue world, and Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, Southern Nevada Animal Rescue League and a few other organizations have already agreed to facilitate their adoptions (and if you have a particular dog you’re interested in, let me know!).
The one step missing between the meat farm and their forever homes is, sadly, money for vet bills and the other aforementioned costs.
I’ve seen donations roll in from friends, individuals, strangers, and especially jewelry friends, who amaze me with their generosity.
I humbly ask that you share these dogs’ stories with your communities, repost their stories on your social media accounts, and, only if you’re able, donate to the GoFundMe or directly to Retriever Rescue, specifying your donation is for the Anseong dogs.
Let’s bring these gems home.
The Latest
![Harwell Godfrey auctioned off this pavé diamond heart pendant via Instagram to raise money for the Los Angeles Fire Department Emergency Fund as the city battles raging wildfires. Harwell Godfrey heart pendant](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f360a3f6f9ee58478de6d0a9c024824f.jpg)
Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
![Elsa Jin Mozi Brooch](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/d1cb41e5a6e1c4f8e91b9d3aec2ce531.jpg)
Adrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
![ride_or_die_1872x1052.png](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/0fcf675b40ce0c88faab13d5914d2edf.png)
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
![De Beers Group and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council have partnered to promote natural diamonds in India. From left to right are Paul Rowley, executive vice president of diamond trading at De Beers Group; Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands; Vipul Shah, chairman of GJEPC; and Kirit Bhansali, vice chairman of GJEPC. Paul Rowley, Sandrine Conseiller, Vipul Shah, and Kirit Bhansali](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/5c9e121dc977a6e32dc496ee4ff1c666.jpg)
The pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Champlain, New York seized several shipments of counterfeit Tiffany & Co. jewelry between December 2024 and Jan. 6, 2025. (Image courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection) Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. jewelry near U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b0c5f1ce498e9fe31c5ad8d1c0d581f1.jpg)
Officers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
![The one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces in “Moonlight Rhapsody” feature custom-cut gemstones set in 18-karat yellow and white gold. Seen here is the “Meteor” necklace, which showcases a 119-carat rutilated quartz ($32,000). Karma El Khalil Meteor Necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/db0d2c6a16958a3f299d2663cf252330.jpg)
The “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
![me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cafe10694035a3f52516219d00affbd1.jpg)
‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
![At AGTA GemFair in Tucson, Arizona, next month, attendees can view live gem cutting and several presentations as part of the organization’s “Inspired” seminar series. AGTA Seminar Series](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/33d29e36d8b476ab7243dd9b737cc599.jpg)
The seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
![Reena Ahluwalia’s new project “Diamond Trails” comprises five stories, each with a painting depicting the spirit of the narrative. Proceeds from the sales will benefit charities. Diamond Trails Reena Ahluwalia](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4f50732b483076e9bc15488f7fe4f34c.jpg)
The artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
![A group of jewelers based in Richmond, Virginia, recently raised nearly $26,000 for a local children’s hospital. Pictured from left is Nathan Johnson of Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers; Mary Beth Beasley and Maggie Smith of Dransfield Jewelers; Jane Sternheimer of Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers; Cheryl Jarvis of Victoria Charles Jewelry; Cheryl Fornash of Cheryl Fornash Jewelers; Vicki Robinson and Nancy McCall of Fink’s Jewelers; Robyn Bivens of Cheryl Fornash Jewelers; Sally Ashby of Carreras Jewelers; and Daniel Wright of Lustre by Adolf. (Image credit: Wendell Powell Studio) Virginia Jewelers at the Children’s Hospital Foundation Ball](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/de0af2c66c56bc01c32979ffb670eba6.jpg)
Nine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
![Oris has debuted the ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition watch, inspired by the iconic Muppet. (Image © Disney) Miss Piggy taking a selfie](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/954f76076e9768ed9b1b98fff86311be.jpg)
Miss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
![In late December, Effy launched “Promise by Effy,” a brand dedicated to lab-grown diamond jewelry. Pieces in the collection are a mix of fashion and engagement rings, as seen here. Rings in the Promise by Effy lab-grown diamond jewelry collection](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/be161e03df62f35fcbdca8665114fd5a.jpg)
“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
![Haltom’s Jewelers, which owns three locations in Texas, is closing after more than 130 years. (Image courtesy of Haltom’s Jewelers’ Facebook page) Haltom’s Jewelers closing ad](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/2d10edea1237eab38cb305acf8c4c632.jpg)
The Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
![While Zendaya and Tom Holland have yet to confirm their engagement, the actress was seen wearing a diamond ring on the ring finger of her left hand at the Golden Globes this week. She reportedly also flashed the jewel and smiled when a reporter asked if she was engaged. (Images courtesy Bulgari, credit Getty Images) Zendaya and Engagement Ring at 2025 Golden Globes](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/20280d8836c1adf826da3135d8d3ee5f.jpg)
Zendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
![Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com. National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/29257d7efd47f97d07409b86ec74226e.jpg)
Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
![The “Gypsy Link” ring by Lindsey Scoggins Studio ($9,500) is one of the 16 garnet pieces in Amanda’s Style File for January birthdays. Lindsey Scoggins Studio Gypsy Link Ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a7832a3b9ea962484fdac6deb894b05d.jpg)
Garnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
![Quest Fine Jewelers in Fairfax, Virginia, won the Edge Retail Academy’s 2024 William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award, which recognizes independent jewelers that demonstrate exceptional business growth. Pictured from left to right are store employees Ashleigh Tain, Sharyn Park, Randa Elhage, store owner Huan Tain (who is holding the award), Allison Nacht, Pamela Johnston, and Michael Harris. Huan Tain and staff of Quest Fine Jewelers in Fairfax, Virginia](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7841963b3a53e969ad322db871f3e859.jpg)
The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
![Jewelers for Children’s Round-Up Program lets retailers and vendors give customers the opportunity to round up their purchases to the next dollar at checkout. Jewelers for Children round up program on a point of sale machine](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3769d77327b033f6c60d083c06698a81.jpg)
Retailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
![Columbia Gem House will debut calibrated opals created in collaboration with Cheal Opal at AGTA GemFair Tucson, slated for Feb. 3-9 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. calibrated Lightning Ridge opals](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cfac8329861dedbae43a676d3ed87667.jpg)
The wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
![The FBI’s field office in Kansas City has added 54-year-old Onita Rostas and 53-year-old Vasile Sava to its wanted list. They’ve had warrants out for their arrest since January 2024. Stock image of hands with handcuffs on them](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a935e1d020e57875a125d71a4284adaa.jpg)
Described by JSA as being “habitual offenders,” Vasile Sava and Onita Rostas have federal warrants out for their arrest in Kansas.
![Barcelona-based jewelry retailer PDPaola has opened its first store in the U.S., located in New York City. PDPaola New York store](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/876693d4f2ed997a2f1b585edb33709d.jpg)
The Barcelona-based brand’s flagship boutique is located in New York City’s West Village neighborhood.
![Facets of Fire has introduced new branded jewelry displays, including this bridal display. Facets of Fire bridal display](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cba881972012aa01ed66c0808803c513.jpg)
A solar-powered loose diamond holder rotates the stones to show off how they catch the light.
![Longtime Arkansas jeweler Kelly Newton died Dec. 29 at age 74. The respected retailer, who owned Newton’s Jewelers, is pictured at American Gem Society Conclave 2019 in Seattle, where he took home the organization’s highest honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award. (Photo courtesy of AGS) Arkansas jeweler Kelly Newton receiving Shipley Award](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/516a32e900730ab966dd19244bd2e172.jpg)
Newton owned and operated Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and is remembered for being positive, honest, and loving.
![This creation titled “Peles’s Mist” features Brazilian fire opal carved by Glenn Lehrer with faceted black spinel and garnet set in gold. It is one of 12 collaborative pieces by Lehrer and designer Paula Crevoshay currently on display at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. (Photo courtesy of the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art) Peles Mist](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7cd31ca7e4cdb60d31fa7e8c5899a155.jpg)
“Synergy & Symbiosis” is open now through late April at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook, Illinois.
![Renna Butterfly Caspian Necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ac7112f3e5ac2a35929d34d876944733.jpg)
Begin 2025 with a butterfly intaglio symbolizing change and transformation.
![Nenad Milosevich, 56, has been with charged with second-degree murder in the death of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, jeweler Anthony D’Amore. Milosevich is being held without bond in the Broward County jail. (Photo courtesy of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office) Nenad Milosevich](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b7139db550b20d1a2e751f3f0311f877.jpg)
Jeweler Anthony D’Amore was found dead inside his office Dec. 23, marking the fourth jeweler killed on the job in 2024, according to JSA.