MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
OtherMar 09, 2016
Jewelers supporting Tanzanian book drive
Nine jewelry stores worked with Roger Dery Gem Design to collect books for donation to a library at the Kitarini Maasai Children’s School in Tanzania.
Roger Dery Gem Design and nine retailers across the country have been collecting books to donate to the Kitarini Maasai Children’s School in Tanzania. It has 450 students, a few of whom are pictured here.
Royal Oak, Mich.--Roger Dery Gem Design and nine jewelry stores have been collecting books to stock a traveling library for the Kitarini Maasai Children’s School in Tanzania.
The school, located in the rural Longido district of northern Tanzania, opened in 2010 and has 450 children between the ages of 5 and 14, most of whom walk 3 to 5 km two times a day to go to school.
The staff includes just one headmaster and four teachers, and the school currently has less than 50 books.
Nine retailers across the country have helped with the book drive by telling their local community and customers about it and setting a goal to fill a suitcase with 50 books, new or used.
Participating jewelry stores so far include the following.
--Apland Jewelers, Hood River, Ore.
--Becky Beauchine Kulka Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, Okemos, Mich.
--Calhoun Jewelers, Royersford, Pa.
--Devon Fine Jewelers, Wyckoff, N.J.
--Janel Russell Designs, St. Paul, Minn.
--K-Jon’s Fine Jewelers, Atascadero, Calif.
--Panowicz Jewelers, Olympia, Wash.
--Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, West Bloomfield, Mich.
--The King’s Jewelers, Walnut Creek, Calif.
The books that are being contributed include picture books, early reader chapter books, workbooks and coloring books designed for readers from preschool to fifth grade by American standards.
In January, Roger Dery, owner of Roger Dery Gem Design, will take his 25th trip to Africa with some of the jewelry store owners who helped collect the books and will deliver them personally to the school’s headmaster.
Because the drive saw such a strong response, with the jewelry stores raising enough books to max out the number of suitcases that they are able to take to Africa, at this time they are not able to accept further contributions from other stores, though they may hold a similar campaign again in the future, at which time other stores could participate.
“I have visited the Kitarini School 12 times and it is still an emotional day for me every time I visit,” Dery said. “These children touch my heart deeply each time I meet them. Their hearts are so innocent, genuine, and hungry for learning and love. I want to give them that learning and love however I can. When the headmaster told me about their extreme lack of books, I knew what I would do.”
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
