Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Gem Legacy Raising Emergency Funds for Students
Two school closings in Tanzania and Kenya amid coronavirus has left more than 250 kids at risk of malnutrition without government-sponsored lunches.
Royal Oak, Mich.—Industry nonprofit Gem Legacy has launched an emergency fund to feed more than 250 students in East Africa who are without government-sponsored lunches as their schools have closed in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fund will cover lunches for 256 kids at risk of malnutrition because of severe poverty at home; twenty-five dollars feeds a child lunch every day for one month.
The fund will support kids at the Mwatate Children’s Home in Mwatate, Kenya and Sanawari Primary School in Arusha, Tanzania.
The parents will be notified food is available for them to pick up at the school; school administrators will monitor food distribution to maintain social distancing.
“Gem Legacy is committed to adapting to current needs, and we are glad to take this opportunity in the midst of this world crisis to give back to those who are affected most at the source of gems by the COVID-19 situation,” Gem Legacy Founder Roger Dery said.
“What an opportunity for the jewelry industry to work together, and just a little contribution goes a long way.”
Gem Legacy also recently launched another kid-focused initiative to provide proper sanitization, air filtration and plumbing for new toilets to be used by 1,500 school children at Sanawari.
The kids currently share five toilets and 15 holes in the ground at the school that often have issues with sanitation, overflow/backup and rodents, in addition to not having doors for privacy.
The funds raised by Gem Legacy will build 10 new toilets and provide doors, windows, plumbing, air filtration, septic tank and sinks with heated water.
For more information about either project or to donate, email info@gemlegacy.org or visit GemLegacy.org.
The Latest

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.


The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.


























