MajorsNov 20, 2023
JFC’s 2023 ‘Hope for the Holidays’ Cards Are HerePolicies & IssuesNov 22, 2023
Columbia Gem House Raises $12K for Wildlife
The money will help a nonprofit rehabilitate sea turtles.
In its recent “Jewelry for Wildlife” fundraiser, Columbia Gem House raised more than $12,000 to support CRRIFS, a nonprofit in Mexico focused on conservation, research, and rehabilitation along the Sonoran Coast.
Vancouver, Wash.—Columbia Gem House announced its “Jewelry for Wildlife” fundraiser made more than $12,000 for Centro de Rescate, Rehabilitacion e Investigacion de Fauna Silvestre A.C. (CRRIFS), a nonprofit that works closely with the company’s partners at the Cortez Pearl Farm in Mexico.
Columbia Gem House conducted the fundraiser through a raffle this year. It was hosted 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.
Nine designers donated pieces of jewelry, each valued at $2,500, for the event.
Columbia Gem House said it sold a total of 481 raffle tickets, resulting in a “remarkable” donation of $12,025 to CRRIFS.
“We had the highest participation we have ever seen, and in the end, nearly doubled [the amount raised in] previous fundraisers,” said Natasha Braunwart, the company’s brand and corporate social responsibility manager.
Columbia Gem House said the donations will support CRRIFS’s 2024 goal of building a saltwater tank for sea turtle rehabilitation.
Columbia Gem House conducted the fundraiser through a raffle this year. It was hosted 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.
Nine designers donated pieces of jewelry, each valued at $2,500, for the event.
Columbia Gem House said it sold a total of 481 raffle tickets, resulting in a “remarkable” donation of $12,025 to CRRIFS.
“We had the highest participation we have ever seen, and in the end, nearly doubled [the amount raised in] previous fundraisers,” said Natasha Braunwart, the company’s brand and corporate social responsibility manager.
Columbia Gem House said the donations will support CRRIFS’s 2024 goal of building a saltwater tank for sea turtle rehabilitation.
Raffle participation was widespread, with individuals from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Ireland, and other countries taking part in the fundraiser.
Columbia Gem House said the overwhelming response reflects a global community’s commitment to responsible supply chains and showcases how the gemstone industry can support the environment and wildlife.
Conducting a raffle for the first time in the fundraiser’s history also allowed for more participation, as the company typically has held an auction with opening bids of about $500.
Related stories will be right here …
Columbia Gem House said the overwhelming response reflects a global community’s commitment to responsible supply chains and showcases how the gemstone industry can support the environment and wildlife.
Conducting a raffle for the first time in the fundraiser’s history also allowed for more participation, as the company typically has held an auction with opening bids of about $500.
“We wanted this project to reach those who might consider themselves excluded from responsibly sourced jewelry simply due to price,” Braunwart said.
“We wanted to offer a space for anyone to enter this conversation and recognize they too can be involved in making responsibly sourced gems and jewelry the rule, not the exception.”
She added that Columbia Gem House is “immensely grateful” for the overwhelming support it received for this year’s fundraiser.
“The enthusiasm from participants around the world has allowed us to make a significant contribution to CRRIFS, supporting their vital efforts in conservation, research, and rehabilitation, all of which support the health of the ecosystem that Cortez Pearl oysters rely on.”
More about the project is available on Columbia Gem House’s official blog.
The brand will announce information on next year’s project via its Instagram page.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
