Cher Backs Metal Alchemist’s Charity Initiative
Brand founder Carolyn Rafaelian and fellow Armenian-American celebrities are raising funds to preserve the country’s historical sites.

Rafaelian, alongside fellow Armenian-Americans Cher and physician and entrepreneur Eric Esrailian, launched Alchemy for Armenia, which will raise the visibility of Armenian culture and funds to support the country’s historic sites.
Its first project will be to preserve, restore, and create awareness of Etchmiadzin, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world dating back to 303 AD.
Etchmiadzin was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and is a top tourist destination in Armenia.
Funds will also go to the Khor Virap Monastery and Church Complex, near Mount Ararat, believed to be where Noah’s Ark landed. It is considered the birthplace of Christianity in Armenia.
St. Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia who established the Armenian Apostolic Church, was imprisoned at Khor Virap but persevered to spread Christianity to Armenia.
“There are times in our lives that connect us so deeply to something much bigger than ourselves. This is one of those moments for me—to be a part of this restoration and preservation of two of the holiest places on earth,” said Rafaelian.
“I am honored to be working side-by-side with my partners Cher and Eric, who share the same love and passion for our faith, heritage, and our ancient culture.”

To raise restoration funds, the jewelry brand created a special edition Alchemy for Armenia “Posy” wire bracelet. It’s engraved with “Հայր մեր,” the first words of the “Our Father” prayer in Armenian.
The bracelet is available in stainless steel ($28), silver ($78), and 14-karat gold filled ($128).
All profits from the sale will be donated to the Armenian Apostolic Church for the restoration and preservation of the two historic sites.
“There is so much beauty in Armenia, and preserving and restoring the Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Khor Virap will also preserve the rich faith, history, and culture of the country,” said Cher.
“It’s important that future generations are able to visit and appreciate this historic church. My Armenian roots are a huge part of who I am, and I am thrilled to be a part of such a worthwhile cause.”
Armenian-American Kim Kardashian also recently showed her support for the initiative on her Instagram Stories.
The bracelet is available for purchase at Metal Alchemist’s flagship retail location at 156 Reade Street in New York City and on its website.
The jewelry brand is also launching another initiative to support the Armenian community called “Bond to Benefit: Project Armenia.”
The ongoing charitable effort will raise money through the “Bonded Silver” and “Trialchemy” cuffs and rings that are engraved with Mount Ararat.
Also available in a variety of metals, the jewels range in price from $58 to $498.
The Bonded to Benefit: Project Armenia collection is available for in-store purchase exclusively at Reeds Jewelers and online at MetalAlchemist.com.
Twenty percent of Metal Alchemist’s profits from this initiative will also go toward the restoration and preservation of Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap, while continued donations will be made thereafter to support the Armenian community and Armenian nonprofit organizations.
The Latest

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.


The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.