Editors

Stumped for holiday gift ideas?

EditorsDec 19, 2008

Stumped for holiday gift ideas?

A recent survey from the NRF indicated that, as of the second week of December, 41 million people had not yet started their holiday shopping, and 47.1 percent didn’t have it all done. If you are among those still searching...

A recent survey from the NRF
indicated that, as of the second week of December, 41 million people had not yet started their holiday shopping, and 47.1 percent didn’t have it all done.


If you are among those still
searching for suitable holiday gifts, than this blog is for you.



Remember that during tough economic times, nonprofit organizations and charities tend to struggle along with
everyone else, perhaps even more, and, in turn, so do the people in need they
work to support.



Donating to one will not only
potentially help out somebody in great need, but it will make you feel good as
well.



Below are a few charities I feel are worth supporting.


Happy holidays to
everyone! 


The Diamond Empowerment
Fund (DEF).
I think this charity,
co-founded by music mogul Russell Simmons, is a great cause. Founded in 2007, the DEF is a nonprofit international organization established by individuals in the
diamond and jewelry industry, including Simmons.



The DEF’s mission is to raise
money for education for economically disadvantaged nations in Africa where
diamonds are a natural resource.



The DEF’s first beneficiary is
CIDA City Campus, an institution of higher learning in Johannesburg, South
Africa, that offers scholarships for economically disadvantaged students. I can personally attest to
the validity of CIDA, which I visited during a trip to Africa this past May.


The DEF already has donated
nearly $10 million to the school and is looking to do more.



Both individuals and
businesses can donate to the DEF.



To learn more, visit DiamondEmpowerment.org.


— Star of Africa. Last month, the Royal Asscher Diamond Co. held an
event to launch “Star of Africa,” its new charity program focused on helping
the people

of Sierra Leone.



Civil war once raged in this
nation, noted for being the center of the trade in blood diamonds (it was, in
fact, the setting for the 2006 film
Blood Diamond).



Today, civil war has left the
country rife with poverty, but Royal Asscher, a diamond company with a history
dating back to 1854, wants to help change that.



The goal of Star of Africa is
to raise money to work with various charities to help the people of Sierra
Leone rebuild the cornerstones of their society: health care, education,
economic stability and societal relationships.



The first stage of the program
is a partnership with nonprofit World Vision that aims to get the children of
Sierra Leone out of the country’s diamond mines and into school.




To donate to the Star of
Africa’s effort with World Vision, download the form at left and fax it to (646) 861-4975.


For more information about
Star of Africa, contact Rebecca Smith with Royal Asscher, (212) 922-1908 or
rebecca@royalasscher.com.



Love Heals. I wasn’t familiar at all with this cause when I
attended a benefit for Love Heals on Dec. 10 at Kwiat’s beautiful flagship
store in Manhattan.



But I think lack of education
is at the core of so many societal ills that you can never go wrong when you
empower people with knowledge.



The event, sponsored by Kwiat
and
Gotham
magazine, featured
actress Julianna Margulies (nurse Carol Hathaway for you
ER fans, pictured above, fourth from left, in the black dress), who was
decked out in Kwiat diamond earrings and bracelet.


 


The mission of Love Heals
(officially called “Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS
Education”) is to educate young people about HIV/AIDS so they can make informed
choices as they mature.


Since
1992, New York-based Love Heals’ HIV-positive speakers and trained health
educators have reached more than 300,000 young people, parents, educators and
community leaders.


For more information, visit LoveHeals.org.


Treatment Action Group
(TAG).
The Diamond Information
Center’s Sally Morrison recently was honored by this organization for her years
of work in the fight against AIDS (congratulations again Sally!).


The group
fights for better treatments, a vaccine and a cure for AIDS.



For more information, visit TreatmentActionGroup.org



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

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

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.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

×

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