MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
EditorsDec 14, 2016
The Maasai Library the Industry Can Help Build
A GoFundMe page has been launched to raise funds for construction of a library at a Tanzanian school.
The students at the Kitarini Maasai Children’s School near Longido, Tanzania, were never too shy to jump in front of the camera. This photo was taken by the author of this blog post when she traveled to East Africa in January.
At a time of year when it’s easy to get caught up in buying gifts, attending parties and trying to balance a busy schedule, it can be hard to find the time to stop and be grateful for what you do have, and to show that gratefulness by giving back.
So, I was only too happy to hear about an opportunity that recently popped up to do just that.
This one in particular is special to me. On my last full day in East Africa earlier this year, my travel companions and I got to visit the Kitarini Maasai Children’s School in rural northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border.
Local miners Sune and Pia Merisheki started the school. When Sune was on a prospecting trip one day, he came across a group of children gathered under a tree out in the bush for their schooling.
Wanting to help bring a real school to these children, the couple raised funds and petitioned the government for support. Kitarini now consists of a group of buildings with metal roofs with more than 400 children attending, many of whom have to walk miles from their homes every day just get to school.
Members of the jewelry industry have been getting more and more involved in the school, with a number of jewelry stores and gem cutters across the country collecting books from their local community for kids of all ages. They were packed up in suitcases and brought along on our visit in January to be donated.
Watching the grateful teachers and staff accept the books, and seeing the excited smiles on the students’ faces and happiness to be at school, it’s impossible not to be affected in a way that makes you want to do more.
Now, we can.
One of the gemstone cutters, Dan Lynch, on the trip has launched a GoFundMe page to help raise money to build a library at Kitarini and provide a place for those books to go so that the students can actually use them.
“There is no limit to the potential these children have and what can be unlocked through the power of reading. It becomes especially transforming that the surrounding villages will share this library. This humble library has the power to change the lives not only of the children from the school,
but become a community resource,” he says on the page.
The plans is to build the library in 2017, with Sune helping coordinate the construction locally. Any funds raised beyond what’s needed for the library will be put toward other needs of the school and its students, such as funding lunches or housing for the teachers.
There also might be online gemstones auctions in the future to help raise money; stay tuned for more information on that. In the meantime, visit the donation page here.
The plans is to build the library in 2017, with Sune helping coordinate the construction locally. Any funds raised beyond what’s needed for the library will be put toward other needs of the school and its students, such as funding lunches or housing for the teachers.
There also might be online gemstones auctions in the future to help raise money; stay tuned for more information on that. In the meantime, visit the donation page here.
More on Editors
The Latest
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
