Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearPolicies & IssuesNov 20, 2024
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.
Above is a photo from a site visit Columbia Gem House took last year to Lolo National Forest’s Rice Ridge in Montana, one of the states whose forests will benefit from funds raised through the company’s recent “Pebbles to Pines” fundraiser.
Vancouver, Wash.—Columbia Gem House announced its “Pebbles to Pines” fundraiser raised $10,000 for the National Forest Foundation’s (NFF) Reforestation Program, which focuses on reforesting critical-need regions of America’s national forests.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
