SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
TechnologyMar 17, 2020
Nearly 100 Designers Have Banded Together to Help Feed Children
They’re donating proceeds of sales to the nonprofit No Kid Hungry in light of the coronavirus.
Messaging from the #Linked campaign benefiting No Kid Hungry is shown alongside jewelry from two participating brands, Arman Sarkisyan (left) and Colette.
New York—At a time when many stores are closed and jewelry brands face economic uncertainties due to the coronavirus, a group of designers is focusing on ways to help those most in need.
Currently, 84 jewelry brands—and growing—are donating a portion of their sales to No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit dedicated to providing children and families with three meals a day.
Per the organization’s website, in a time of crisis, its work entails providing emergency grants to food banks and community groups, communicating how families can access meals while schools are closed and lobbying for Congress to pass emergency funds that benefit low-income families.
Each participating brand is advertising on its social media channels, using the hashtag #Linked.
The idea for the #Linked campaign grew out of a conversation between two fine jewelry publicists, Danielle Gadi, owner of her eponymous public relations firm, and Brielle Forman, associate director at IHPR.
“We were talking and realized we needed to do something,” Gadi told National Jeweler. “We decided that helping children who were going to be affected by all of these school closures was the best place to focus our efforts.”
With IHPR owner Jen Lowitz on board, last Saturday the three introduced the idea to their respective clients.
They left the percentage of proceeds of sales to donate, as well as the donation time frame, up to each brand.
“We didn’t want to set any boundaries,” Lowitz explained. “That tends to keep people from getting on board. The informality of it is what helped people to move so quickly. Without set donation guidelines it just made it easier for people to get involved in any way they could.”
Some designers are donating 15 percent of proceeds, others 30 percent, and for varying time periods, anywhere from a week to the end of the month to when schools reopen in a particular designer’s area.
Gadi, Forman and Lowitz spread the word about the #Linked campaign to other showrooms, publicists and designers with whom they had relationships and the word began to spread, as
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
it tends to, via social media.
Adina Reyter, Anita Ko, Ariel Gordon Jewelry, Arman Sarkisyan, Brent Neale, Colette, Dana Bronfman, Irene Neuwirth, Jacquie Aiche, KatKim, Marlo Laz, Melissa Kaye, Michelle Fantaci, Retrouvai, Nouvel Heritage, Santo by Zani and Zoe Chicco are just some of the brands involved.
Adina Reyter, Anita Ko, Ariel Gordon Jewelry, Arman Sarkisyan, Brent Neale, Colette, Dana Bronfman, Irene Neuwirth, Jacquie Aiche, KatKim, Marlo Laz, Melissa Kaye, Michelle Fantaci, Retrouvai, Nouvel Heritage, Santo by Zani and Zoe Chicco are just some of the brands involved.
“We have the ability to reach out to this incredibly supportive community all at once and it’s a quick way to mobilize people,” said Lowitz of the Instagram snowball effect.
Forman said, “It was a call to action to get people together. I think as more designers started posting other designers would see and reach out to us.”
In a few short days the number of brands participating grew from a handful to nearly 100, truly representing how “linked” the jewelry community is.
With most people hunkered down at home, #Linked was a project that resonated with designers, just as it hit home for the creators.
“As a parent watching all of this unfold and realizing the uncertainty [caused by coronavirus] for so many parents and kids was what really compelled us to use what we’ve got,” which was relationships and the ability to spread a message, Lowitz said.
Gadi said she worried about the impact of coronavirus on her own clients with children, as well parents all over the world who are without resources like food or childcare.
Focusing on how the jewelry world so easily connects for a good cause has provided some solace in uncertain times for the designers and companies involved.
Lowitz said, “The upside of this is the jewelry community is so responsive and supportive and it doesn’t feel competitive. Everyone was motivated by one another; there was really no bullshit between PR agencies or brands or showrooms. Everyone wants to get involved.”
Gadi, Forman and Lowitz now face a larger project than they anticipated, as designers continue to jump on board, but are looking forward to sustaining the effort of shopping for good.
“It’s not a one-time thing,” Forman explained. “We’re encouraging designers to keep posting to spread the message.”
“And if it can help our designers [gain sales] too, then it’s a win/win,” added Lowitz.
The sense of community #Linked is fostering is giving everyone involved hope for the future.
“Everybody is going to feel isolated,” said Lowitz. “Everyone is going to feel a little bit helpless. This is a connected community and this is a way for people to be able to help.”
“It’s the first time we’re all experiencing the same thing worldwide,” said Gadi. “We’re all in this together.”
More on Technology
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and FocusNow called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue BookThe “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
