Editors

A cool ring for a great cause

EditorsAug 13, 2010

A cool ring for a great cause

I was delighted Thursday afternoon when I received a package containing a Tagua ring by eco-friendly jewelry designer Lisa Linhardt, whose eponymous jewelry gallery coincidentally is located just blocks from my own apartment. Ahhh, I've always loved getting fun things...

I was delighted Thursday afternoon when I received a package containing a Tagua ring by eco-friendly jewelry designer Lisa Linhardt, whose eponymous jewelry gallery coincidentally is located just blocks from my own apartment.

Ahhh, I've always loved getting fun things in the mail. What made this particular package even more special, though, was how I acquired it and who will benefit from this purchase (besides myself - I've been wearing the ring ever since I tore open the envelope early yesterday afternoon).

I won the ring at the recent Jewelers That Care silent auction, held during last month's JA New York 


Summer Show. The super-cool piece, shown here (though the picture doesn't do it justice), is crafted from  tagua seed, a seed from the tagua palm tree that grows in the rainforests of South America. According to Lindhardt's Web site, most of her tagua originates in Ecuador and Colombia. It functions as a more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to elephant ivory. You can read more about Lisa, her stance on sustainability and her jewelry by clicking here.

All funds raised by the Jewelers That Care auction will go toward building a water well for the Alasai village in Arusha, Tanzania. Gemologist and Jewelers That Care founder Alethe Clemetson, whose resume includes such prestigious names as Lazare Kaplan, Tiffany & Co. and David Yurman, said the organization needs to raise $28,000 to build the well, which will provide much-needed clean water to the residents of this rural village.

Clemetson acknowledges that Jewelers That Care is "not very close" to reaching its goal. The organization needs all the donations it can get.

If you want to help the cause along, you can donate online, at trade shows or by sending a check to: Jewelers That Care, P.O. Box 380-552, Brooklyn, N.Y., 11238. Retailers also can host in-store events, which are a great way to help out the organization while also sending a message to customers that you truly are a jeweler who cares.

Another and, to me, the most appealing option is the "Investors Trip" to Tanzania where visitors will have a chance to meet the villagers who are directly benefiting from Jewelers That Care donations and also take a little side trip for a safari. It is open to anyone who wants to go, and the cost is airfare and accommodations plus a donation to Jewelers That Care. Clemetson

said the trip should be organized by years' end.

Want to lend a hand to Jewelers that Care, hold an event or travel to Tanzania? You can start by clicking here.


Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Lisa Bridge and Alexis Padis at AGS Conclave 2024
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President

Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.

John Mayer Audemars Piguet
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition Watch

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024

The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Jared Goff Presents Jared Jewelers’ Donation to Give Merit
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to Jared

The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.

Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of police crime scene tape
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.

Kirsty Hume models Pippa Small Venus collection
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ Collection

Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Pomellato Pom Pom Dot necklaces
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1

The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.

Aerial shot of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues

The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea in 18-karat yellow gold
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024

The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s Day

Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.

Hannoush Jewelers Queensbury NY location
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York

Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.

203-carat, 116-carat, and 42-carat diamond
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024

A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.

William Ruser: The Jeweler Who Charmed Hollywood book cover
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William Ruser

Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo modeling Jacquie Aiche’s Rebel Heart collection
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo

The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.

Virtual Diamond Boutique
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’

The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.

Signet Jewelers employees and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.

Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace

A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

China Pearl collage
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China Pearl

The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.

Printed and digital AGS Ideal grading reports
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed Form

From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.

Stock image of a polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty

De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.

LVAJWS24_carousel_images_1872x1052_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Kelly Yoch
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly Yoch

The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.

Interior of TAG Heuer Boutique on Carnival Cruise Ship
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at Sea

The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy