CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2018
JFC Raises $1.95 Million for Charity Partners
Jewelers for Children announced the amount it will contribute to its philanthropic partners in the year ahead at its annual Facets of Hope gala in Las Vegas.
Pictured at the Jewelers for Children Facets of Hope 2018 event are honorees, board members and even organization beneficiaries. Back row, left to right: Joe Thompson, Hodinkee; Jeffrey Cohen, Citizen Watch America; Bill Luth, Signet Jewelers, Ltd.; Seb Hobbs, Signet Jewelers, Ltd. Front row, left to right: Pam Mortensen, JFC Board chair; Pamela Heisler; Abby Richins.
Las Vegas—At its 20th annual Facets of Hope event, Jewelers for Children announced it had raised $1.95 million to donate to its philanthropic partners in the year ahead.
That brings the total amount the organization has raised for children in need since it was founded in 1999 to $55.5 million.
“What an amazing milestone for the charity, and particularly for our industry,” said Pam Mortensen, JFC board chair. “I don’t think any of us could have imagined 20 years ago that we would be marking this occasion and to be announcing such an amazing number.”
Of the $1.95 million raised for the coming year, $425,000 will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; $525,000 will go to Make-A-Wish America; $425,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation; and $375,000 to the National CASA Association.
Additionally, JFC is committing $75,000 to Make-A-Wish International for wish granting in India; $25,000 to the Santa-America Fund; and $50,000 for local grants which will be chosen later in the year via a social media voting campaign.
JFC is also working with the Organization for Autism Research for the first time, and donating $50,000 to the organization.
The Facets of Hope gala happened Sunday, June 3, during the Las Vegas jewelry trade shows, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
During the evening’s program, JFC recognized Bill Luth, executive general manager/executive vice president of Kay Jewelers at Signet Jewelers, and Jeffrey Cohen, the president and CEO of Citizen Watch America.
Some of the former children who were direct recipients of JFC’s fundraising efforts were also on hand to update the audience on their lives, including Abby, who represented St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and was present at Facets of Hope in 2004; Paige, for Make-A-Wish America, who appeared and performed at Facets of Hope in 2005; and Pamela, representing the National CASA Association, who appeared in 2006.
The evening included silent and live auctions that saw attendees bid on items like paintings by Reena Ahluwalia and Shreya Mehta, as well as a gold and diamond replica of the Star Wars droid BB-8.
Hallmark Jewelry sponsored the after-party dessert, drinks and coffee, while Bulova sponsored a performance by British singer/songwriter Calum Scott.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
