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.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas FlagshipThe 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist TrialAging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic WinThe WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT PresidentA longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for AuctionThe platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored GemstonesGet a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
