Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionIndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s Hospital
The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
A group of jewelers in Virginia raised $29,750 via a jewelry raffle to support the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. From left to right, Rose DeRatto, Dransfield Jewelers; Maggie Smith, Dransfield Jewelers; Nathan Johnson, Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers; Jane Sternheimer, Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers; Robin Salzburg, Lustre by Adolf; Cheryl Fornash, Cheryl Fornash Jewelers; Taylor Cowardin, Cowardin’s Jewelers; Nicola Parker, Fink’s Jewelers; Nancy McCall, Fink’s Jewelers; Madeline Silk, Carreras Jewelers; Kathleen Noble, Schwarzschild Jewelers; Cheryl Jarvis, Victoria Charles. (Image credit: Wendell Powell Studio)
Richmond, Va.—A group of jewelers based in Richmond, Virginia, raised nearly $30,000 for a local charity.
Jeweler Cheryl Fornash curated a collection of jewelry from Richmond-area jewelers for a raffle at the Children’s Hospital Foundation Ball this past November.
The nine pieces were valued from $3,500 to $5,000 each.
Its “Jewels for Children” raffle raised a record $29,750 for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
The funds will support the foundation’s efforts to provide art and music therapy services for patients and their families.
“We are thrilled with the excitement generated by the raffle,” said Fornash, owner of Fornash Jewelers.
“Every year, we exceed our expectations. I am honored to join with our local jewelers who generously support this valuable cause year after year.”
The following jewelers have participated in the annual raffle since its inception:
Carreras Jewelers;
Cheryl Fornash Jewelers;
Cowardin’s Jewelers;
Dransfield Jewelers;
Fink’s Jewelers;
Lustre by Adolf;
Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers;
Schwarzschild Jewelers; and
Victoria Charles Jewelry.
The annual Jewels for Children raffle, created and organized by Fornash, has raised more than $225,000 in support of Richmond-area nonprofit organizations since 2009.
Related stories will be right here …
Jeweler Cheryl Fornash curated a collection of jewelry from Richmond-area jewelers for a raffle at the Children’s Hospital Foundation Ball this past November.
The nine pieces were valued from $3,500 to $5,000 each.
Its “Jewels for Children” raffle raised a record $29,750 for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
The funds will support the foundation’s efforts to provide art and music therapy services for patients and their families.
“We are thrilled with the excitement generated by the raffle,” said Fornash, owner of Fornash Jewelers.
“Every year, we exceed our expectations. I am honored to join with our local jewelers who generously support this valuable cause year after year.”
The following jewelers have participated in the annual raffle since its inception:
Carreras Jewelers;
Cheryl Fornash Jewelers;
Cowardin’s Jewelers;
Dransfield Jewelers;
Fink’s Jewelers;
Lustre by Adolf;
Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers;
Schwarzschild Jewelers; and
Victoria Charles Jewelry.
The annual Jewels for Children raffle, created and organized by Fornash, has raised more than $225,000 in support of Richmond-area nonprofit organizations since 2009.
More on Independents
The Latest
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
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.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
