AuctionsApr 15, 2022
These 10 Designers Are Auctioning Jewels for Ukraine SourcingApr 18, 2022
Jewelry Auction Aims to Build Diversity in the Maker Market
Columbia Gem House will auction pieces from MJSA’s Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge to raise funds for the nonprofit Nest.
Columbia Gem House will donate proceeds from an upcoming auction of pieces from MJSA’s Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge to nonprofit Nest to build diversity and inclusion in the artisan market. Pictured is a rendering of a Design Challenge entry from Jamie Hollier, owner of Balefire in Arvada, Colorado.
Vancouver, Wash.—Columbia Gem House will host the Responsibly Sourced Design Auction and fundraiser again this fall, this time benefiting a nonprofit called Nest.
Nest supports the growth and engagement of the artisan and makers market economy to build greater gender equity and economic inclusion.
The auction will take place in November on ColumbiaGemHouse.com and feature the jewels submitted to MJSA’s Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge.
The challenge asks jewelers to design a piece based on a fictional scenario they’ve been given. This year’s prompt was to create a piece for a woman who’d been adopted and wants to learn more about her background.
Colored stone company Columbia Gem House has sponsored the design challenge since 2019 but expanded the project last year by inviting the designers involved to produce their designs and auction them for a good cause.
Proceeds from the 2021 auction went to help the Navajo Nation recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, proceeds will go toward Nest’s Jewelers United program, part of its Makers United initiative, which is focused on elevating BIPOC artisans and providing market access to ensure the maker movement in the United States is open to everyone regardless of gender, race, means, or ability.
Related stories will be right here …
Nest supports the growth and engagement of the artisan and makers market economy to build greater gender equity and economic inclusion.
The auction will take place in November on ColumbiaGemHouse.com and feature the jewels submitted to MJSA’s Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge.
The challenge asks jewelers to design a piece based on a fictional scenario they’ve been given. This year’s prompt was to create a piece for a woman who’d been adopted and wants to learn more about her background.
Colored stone company Columbia Gem House has sponsored the design challenge since 2019 but expanded the project last year by inviting the designers involved to produce their designs and auction them for a good cause.
Proceeds from the 2021 auction went to help the Navajo Nation recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, proceeds will go toward Nest’s Jewelers United program, part of its Makers United initiative, which is focused on elevating BIPOC artisans and providing market access to ensure the maker movement in the United States is open to everyone regardless of gender, race, means, or ability.
As the sponsor of the event, CGH donates gemstones to help the designers bring their renderings to life.
For the 2022 challenge, the company has donated hexagon-shaped Oregon sunstone, hexagon-shaped Montana sapphire, tapered baguettes of Australian sapphire, and Brazilian citrine baguettes.
CGH also donated silver to help produce the pieces.
In the months leading up to the auction, CGH will share designs submitted to the challenge as MJSA releases them. Submissions will be released through September.
In October, voting will take place on MJSA.org, and CGH will host the auction on its website the following month.
To stay up to date with auction announcements and designs, follow Columbia Gem House on Instagram or visit its website to sign up for the newsletter.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
