Columbia Gem House Opens Jewelry Raffle for Wildlife Fundraiser
Tickets are on sale now and all proceeds go to sea turtle rehabilitation.

The mining company is raising money for CRRIFS, a nonprofit that supports wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and research along the Sonoran Coast of Mexico. Its mission is to support the protection and conservation of the country’s native wildlife.
All raffle ticket sales will be donated to support CRRIFS in its 2024 goal of building a saltwater tank for sea turtle rehabilitation.
Like the year before, the miner is hosting its fundraiser in conjunction with the 2023 MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, an annual contest in which designers are given a fictional story to integrate into a custom jewelry design.
The jewelry in this year’s raffle was designed by the following contest participants:
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
Columbia Gem House donated the gemstones used in the designs.
This year’s offerings include “grape” garnet, neon green beryl, tourmaline, and Cortez Pearls—a special addition, because CRRIFS’ programs help support the native wildlife that relies on the same ecosystem as Cortez Pearl oysters.
Only 100 raffle tickets are available for each piece of jewelry. Tickets are $25, and there is no purchase limit. Shoppers can view the jewelry and purchase tickets on Columbia Gem House’s website.
Ticket sales began on Sunday and will run through Oct. 31, or until all tickets are sold.
The raffle is open to shoppers worldwide, but some exclusions apply based on shipping restrictions.
Winners will be randomly selected and notified via email by Nov. 7. Winners will be required to respond within 48 hours with a shipping address or the item will default to the next randomly selected winner.
The Latest

Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.

The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.

The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.


Survey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.

The trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.

Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.

Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.

Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.

She was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.

Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.

LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”

“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.

Bain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.

The exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.

Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.

Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.

“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

The watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.

The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
























