Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
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
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
