Columbia Gem House Raises $10K for Reforestation Efforts
The money will fund the planting of 10,000 trees in critical areas across Oregon, Arizona, Montana, and other regions.

The gemstone wholesaler conducted the fundraiser through a raffle, through which it sold 300 raffle tickets, raising $7,750.
Falling short of its original goal to sell 400 tickets, the company made an additional contribution.
“While we are thrilled to have raised $7,750, our original goal of planting 10,000 trees requires a total of $10,000. To ensure we reached that target and continue supporting the work of the National Forest Foundation, Columbia Gem House has decided to contribute an additional $2,250,” said Natasha Braunwart, the company’s brand and corporate social responsibility manager.
“This means that, together, we are fully funding the planting of 10,000 trees in critical areas across Oregon, Arizona, Montana, and beyond.”
The raffle was again hosted in conjunction with the 2024 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 participated, each donating a piece of jewelry featuring gems provided by CGH from Oregon, Arizona, and Montana, the states whose critical need forest areas will be targeted with the money raised.
The fundraiser garnered support from participants in three countries and over 25 states across the U.S.
More information on Columbia Gem House and its annual fundraising series is available here.
The Latest

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.


Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
























