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
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
