CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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. 
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
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
