IndependentsNov 09, 2022
Relief Fund Reopened for Jewelers Impacted by Hurricane IanSourcingOct 24, 2022
This Jewelry Auction Is Raising Money for BIPOC Makers
It features the jewels submitted to MJSA’s Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge.
This pendant from Sandrine Valentine of Sandrine B. Jewelry is one of the pieces up for bidding in Columbia Gem House’s fundraising auction with nonprofit Nest to support emerging BIPOC jewelry makers.
New York—Colored stone supplier Columbia Gem House has launched its annual fundraising auction, with this year’s benefitting emerging BIPOC jewelry makers.
The colored stone company is partnering with nonprofit organization Nest, which supports the growth and engagement of the artisan and makers market economy to build greater gender equity and economic inclusion.
One hundred percent of proceeds from the auction 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.
The auction is comprised of 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 had been adopted and wants to learn more about her background.
David Thorp of Mercurius Jewelry created this bracelet available for purchase through Columbia Gem House's auction.
Participating designers used seven gemstones donated by Columbia Gem House in their pieces. The company donated Oregon sunstone, Montana sapphire, Australian sapphire, and Brazilian citrine.
The designers who participated in the challenge and donated their work are as follows.
--Nashira Arnó, designer and owner of Nashira Arnó Studio in New York City and a previous Jewelers United award recipient;
--Kaelin Cordis, owner of Kaelin Design in Rogers, Arkansas;
--Lauren Davidson, owner of Ellie Air Jewellery in Dorset, United Kingdom;
--Cady Carlson Dill, owner of Cady Carlson Designs in Tulsa, Oklahoma;
--Jamie Hollier, owner of Balefire Goods in Arvada, Colorado;
--Kimi Kaplowitz, owner of Theeth Jewelry in Portland, Oregon;
--David Thorp, co-owner of Mercurius Jewelry in Oakland, California; and
--Sandrine Valentine, owner of Sandrine B. Jewelry in New York City.
--Nashira Arnó, designer and owner of Nashira Arnó Studio in New York City and a previous Jewelers United award recipient;
--Kaelin Cordis, owner of Kaelin Design in Rogers, Arkansas;
--Lauren Davidson, owner of Ellie Air Jewellery in Dorset, United Kingdom;
--Cady Carlson Dill, owner of Cady Carlson Designs in Tulsa, Oklahoma;
--Jamie Hollier, owner of Balefire Goods in Arvada, Colorado;
--Kimi Kaplowitz, owner of Theeth Jewelry in Portland, Oregon;
--David Thorp, co-owner of Mercurius Jewelry in Oakland, California; and
--Sandrine Valentine, owner of Sandrine B. Jewelry in New York City.
Auction pieces are available to for bidding now through Nov. 8 on the Columbia Gem House website.
Winning bidders will receive a book celebrating the designers and sharing the stories behind each piece.
Voting for the MJSA Design Challenge winner is also still open on its website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
