MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
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
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
