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
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
