SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
EditorsAug 29, 2018
Leaving a (Gem) Legacy in East Africa
Gemstone faceter Roger Dery and his family have launched a nonprofit to support the communities where gems are mined.
A shot of rough rubies from the Longido area of Tanzania
Traveling to the sources of colored stones is an unmatched experience, not only for its ability to help understand the supply side, but also for the opportunity to meet and interact with the people who live in the gemstone mining communities and help to drive the business.
They perform such integral work—mining and selling the gems that end up in the finished pieces we see at jewelry trade shows and in display cases at stores—yet, most often, they are among those who have so little.
Many people and organizations in the jewelry industry work to give back to the communities so influenced by the gem trade.
Gemstone faceter Roger Dery has long been one of those, and now he wants to make his contribution even bigger.
On Tuesday, Dery, along with wife Ginger and daughter Rachel—all of whom are part of Roger Dery Gem Design—launched Gem Legacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education, vocational training and the local economies of East Africa.
The introduction of the official 501(c)(3) is really just an extension of the work the Derys already had been doing in their many years of travel to the area, including supporting a cutting school in Arusha, Tanzania, and a Maasai school in Longido, Tanzania.
But the idea for formalizing their aid actually came from industry members who traveled with them to East Africa last summer—including Chris Clover-Field of Field’s Jewelers in California, Meredith Schlessinger of Byard F. Brogan and Katie Bisceglia from Stauer Jewelers, to name a few from the 21-person group—banding together with the intent of launching the Dery Trust.
“They wanted there to be a 501c3 that would … enable each of them to contribute to something that they had become passionate about after meeting the people and the good that can be done with so very little to people who need so very much,” Ginger Dery said.
They also wanted to create a fund that would allow the Derys to have money with them when it was needed for their various initiatives.
Eventually, the Derys took over the process of formalizing their aid in the form of a nonprofit and gave it a name that reflects the impact gems can create and the good they can do. 
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
initiatives supported by Gem Legacy.
Gem Legacy funds projects and initiatives that are connected to the East African gem trade in one way or another.
“The heart behind it is that we believe that if more people get on board and more people are investing and giving, then we’re doing more good,” Rachel Dery said. “We believe that when we make a purchase of a gem, it has allowed somebody to have a job, it’s creating more industry for faceting and more mining in Africa. It’s a domino effect. If we believe that, then we believe that every time we purchase a gem or invest in gemstones, we’re personally leaving a legacy of change in East Africa.”
One hundred percent of every donation goes directly to the communities where gems are mined, with the Derys handling the distribution of the funds when they’re on the ground in East Africa.
Supporters can choose for themselves the initiative, or initiatives, to which their money will go—including things like gem faceting training, the Kitarini Primary School or gemological training—or they can simply ask that their money go to the area of greatest need.
The Derys also noted that they aren’t limiting donations to the projects currently listed on the Gem Legacy website; instead, they want to use the nonprofit as an umbrella, allowing others the opportunity to come forward with new ideas or opportunities of need.
Byard F. Brogan’s Schlessinger, who was on the trip last summer that sparked the launch of Gem Legacy, said: “When the Dery Trust was first talked about it gave me chills, knowing all the positive change they have brought to many communities and families throughout Eastern Africa. I’m filled with joy with the launch of Gem Legacy; this is a reflection of what passion, love and dedication is. This will continue to help so many people learn, live and grow.”
I had the privilege of traveling with Roger, Ginger and a few others to Tanzania and Kenya in early 2016, where I got to see firsthand how gemstone mining and brokering played such a big part in those communities. I also got to see some of these projects and the difference they are making.
There’s so much we, as an industry, can do to give back.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Derys’ nonprofit or would like to donate, visit GemLegacy.com.
Gem Legacy funds projects and initiatives that are connected to the East African gem trade in one way or another.
“The heart behind it is that we believe that if more people get on board and more people are investing and giving, then we’re doing more good,” Rachel Dery said. “We believe that when we make a purchase of a gem, it has allowed somebody to have a job, it’s creating more industry for faceting and more mining in Africa. It’s a domino effect. If we believe that, then we believe that every time we purchase a gem or invest in gemstones, we’re personally leaving a legacy of change in East Africa.”
One hundred percent of every donation goes directly to the communities where gems are mined, with the Derys handling the distribution of the funds when they’re on the ground in East Africa.
Supporters can choose for themselves the initiative, or initiatives, to which their money will go—including things like gem faceting training, the Kitarini Primary School or gemological training—or they can simply ask that their money go to the area of greatest need.
The Derys also noted that they aren’t limiting donations to the projects currently listed on the Gem Legacy website; instead, they want to use the nonprofit as an umbrella, allowing others the opportunity to come forward with new ideas or opportunities of need.
Byard F. Brogan’s Schlessinger, who was on the trip last summer that sparked the launch of Gem Legacy, said: “When the Dery Trust was first talked about it gave me chills, knowing all the positive change they have brought to many communities and families throughout Eastern Africa. I’m filled with joy with the launch of Gem Legacy; this is a reflection of what passion, love and dedication is. This will continue to help so many people learn, live and grow.”
I had the privilege of traveling with Roger, Ginger and a few others to Tanzania and Kenya in early 2016, where I got to see firsthand how gemstone mining and brokering played such a big part in those communities. I also got to see some of these projects and the difference they are making.
There’s so much we, as an industry, can do to give back.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Derys’ nonprofit or would like to donate, visit GemLegacy.com.
More on Editors
The Latest
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
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.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
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.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
