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Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction
The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
“Constellations Over the Sedona,” created by retailer and artist Mike Doland of Doland Jewelers, features more than 10 carats of natural diamonds placed in the sky to reveal glowing constellations under UV light.
Phoenix, Ariz.—A painting that included more than 10 carats of natural diamonds was the highlight of a recent Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) Foundation fundraiser.
The unique piece was created by retailer and artist Mike Doland, founder of Doland Jewelers in Iowa, for a silent art auction hosted by the RJO Foundation during the organization’s recent buying show in Phoenix.
Titled “Constellations Over the Sedona,” the artwork depicts a desert landscape and a constellation-filled night sky with natural diamonds as stars.
The diamonds glow under UV light, but the piece also features glow-in-the-dark paint, so the diamonds still shimmer without external illumination.
"With 'Constellations Over the Sedona,' our goal was to showcase natural diamonds as true works of art. The interplay of natural diamond fluorescence and glowing paint highlights the inherent magic and beauty of these remarkable gems, crafted by nature, enhanced by imagination," said Doland.
The diamonds were donated by VEER, a supplier of diamonds and jewelry.
Kaushal Shah, CEO of VEER, said, "Partnering with Mike Doland on this extraordinary work of art was truly inspiring. ‘Constellations Over the Sedona’ is a perfect example of how jewelry, art, and innovation can come together to make a meaningful impact."
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The unique piece was created by retailer and artist Mike Doland, founder of Doland Jewelers in Iowa, for a silent art auction hosted by the RJO Foundation during the organization’s recent buying show in Phoenix.
Titled “Constellations Over the Sedona,” the artwork depicts a desert landscape and a constellation-filled night sky with natural diamonds as stars.
The diamonds glow under UV light, but the piece also features glow-in-the-dark paint, so the diamonds still shimmer without external illumination.
"With 'Constellations Over the Sedona,' our goal was to showcase natural diamonds as true works of art. The interplay of natural diamond fluorescence and glowing paint highlights the inherent magic and beauty of these remarkable gems, crafted by nature, enhanced by imagination," said Doland.
The diamonds were donated by VEER, a supplier of diamonds and jewelry.
Kaushal Shah, CEO of VEER, said, "Partnering with Mike Doland on this extraordinary work of art was truly inspiring. ‘Constellations Over the Sedona’ is a perfect example of how jewelry, art, and innovation can come together to make a meaningful impact."
“Constellations Over the Sedona” sold for $8,000 to winning bidder Tom Nelson of Nelson Jewelry in Spencer, Iowa.
It was one of eight one-of-a-kind paintings Doland created for the auction.
The auction raised a total of nearly $15,000 to support the foundation’s mission of providing resources for industry education and community initiatives.
The RJO Foundation supports the advancement of the jewelry industry by providing scholarships and grants to RJO retail owners, vendor owners, and their employees.
"This auction demonstrates the creativity, generosity, and passion of our RJO family,” said Sarah Streb, executive director of the RJO Foundation.
“The funds raised will directly support our foundation’s mission, allowing us to continue providing educational programs and opportunities to our members and communities."
For more information about the RJO Foundation and future events, visit its website.
It was one of eight one-of-a-kind paintings Doland created for the auction.
The auction raised a total of nearly $15,000 to support the foundation’s mission of providing resources for industry education and community initiatives.
The RJO Foundation supports the advancement of the jewelry industry by providing scholarships and grants to RJO retail owners, vendor owners, and their employees.
"This auction demonstrates the creativity, generosity, and passion of our RJO family,” said Sarah Streb, executive director of the RJO Foundation.
“The funds raised will directly support our foundation’s mission, allowing us to continue providing educational programs and opportunities to our members and communities."
For more information about the RJO Foundation and future events, visit its website.
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