Events & AwardsAug 21, 2023
MJSA Education Foundation Awards $10,000 in Scholarships Policies & IssuesAug 22, 2023
Columbia Gem House To Hold Wildlife Fundraiser
Donations will benefit nonprofit CRRIFS, which supports the protection and conservation of native wildlife in Mexico.
Columbia Gem House will be donating gems to participants of this year’s MJSA design challenge. The winning pieces will be auctioned off at the fundraiser to benefit CRRIFS, a nonprofit that supports the protection and conservation of native wildlife in Mexico.
Vancouver, Wash.—Mining company Columbia Gem House has partnered with nonprofit CRRIFS for a fundraiser supporting wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and research along the Sonoran Coast of Mexico.
Based in Mexico, CRRIFS’ mission is to support the protection and conservation of the country’s native wildlife.
The “Jewelry for Wildlife” fundraiser will be hosted in conjunction with the 2023 MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, an annual contest in which designers are provided with a fictional story they must integrate into a custom jewelry design. This year’s story features a newly divorced mother of two starting a new chapter in her life.
As it has for the past two years, Columbia Gem House will donate the gemstones.
The following designers were selected to participate:
Amelia Mickelsen of Amelia Ray Jewelry;
Andres Cardenas-Whorton of Nobles Metales;
Claudia Gutsch of Goldammer Jewelry;
Hannah Smythe of Toast Fine Jewelry;
Kindred Lubeck of Jewels by Lubeck;
Liz Stefany of Carrabassett Valley Jewelry;
Megan Cochran of Megan Cochran Jewelry;
Olivia Shih of Olivia Shih Designs; and
Stephanie Maslow Blackman of Metalicious Jewelry
Voting for the challenge opens Oct. 1.
Winning pieces will be raffled off with 100 percent of sales donated to CRRIFS in support of its 2024 goal of building a saltwater tank for sea turtle rehabilitation. Its goal is to sell 500 tickets.
Along with sea turtle conservation, CRRIFS’ various programs help support the native wildlife that relies on the same ecosystem as Cortez Pearl oysters, which produce Cortez Pearls — one of the featured gems in this year's project. Other gems include “grape” garnet, neon green beryl, and tourmaline.
Tulsa, Oklahoma-based designer Cady Carlson Dill won last year’s design contest. The 2022 fundraiser raised $7,000 for New York–based nonprofit Nest and its Makers United program.
Related stories will be right here …
Based in Mexico, CRRIFS’ mission is to support the protection and conservation of the country’s native wildlife.
The “Jewelry for Wildlife” fundraiser will be hosted in conjunction with the 2023 MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, an annual contest in which designers are provided with a fictional story they must integrate into a custom jewelry design. This year’s story features a newly divorced mother of two starting a new chapter in her life.
As it has for the past two years, Columbia Gem House will donate the gemstones.
The following designers were selected to participate:
Amelia Mickelsen of Amelia Ray Jewelry;
Andres Cardenas-Whorton of Nobles Metales;
Claudia Gutsch of Goldammer Jewelry;
Hannah Smythe of Toast Fine Jewelry;
Kindred Lubeck of Jewels by Lubeck;
Liz Stefany of Carrabassett Valley Jewelry;
Megan Cochran of Megan Cochran Jewelry;
Olivia Shih of Olivia Shih Designs; and
Stephanie Maslow Blackman of Metalicious Jewelry
Voting for the challenge opens Oct. 1.
Winning pieces will be raffled off with 100 percent of sales donated to CRRIFS in support of its 2024 goal of building a saltwater tank for sea turtle rehabilitation. Its goal is to sell 500 tickets.
Along with sea turtle conservation, CRRIFS’ various programs help support the native wildlife that relies on the same ecosystem as Cortez Pearl oysters, which produce Cortez Pearls — one of the featured gems in this year's project. Other gems include “grape” garnet, neon green beryl, and tourmaline.
Tulsa, Oklahoma-based designer Cady Carlson Dill won last year’s design contest. The 2022 fundraiser raised $7,000 for New York–based nonprofit Nest and its Makers United program.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
