CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
SourcingMay 18, 2016
Mark Patterson Wins Contest to Redesign DEF Bracelet
The California-based jewelry designer has created a new look for the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s Green Bracelet.
The Diamond Empowerment Fund’s Green Bracelet, as reimagined by Mark Patterson. DEF is the global nonprofit co-founded by music mogul Russell Simmons in 2007 that works to empower diamond-producing communities worldwide.
New York--California-based jewelry designer Mark Patterson has been named the winner of the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s bracelet redesign contest.
The original DEF bracelet, known as the Green Bracelet, was comprised of malachite beads with a small piece of rough suspended in a diamond-shaped, gold-plated charm.
On Tuesday, DEF announced the winner: Mark Patterson, the Newport Beach, Calif.-based jewelry designer who started his eponymous brand in 1985.
Patterson made his bracelet in two sizes on an adjustable braided leather cord with a gold-plated diamond-shaped charm.
The charm is reversible; on one side is DEF’s tagline, Diamonds Do Good, while the other is set with a polished white diamond that is Kimberley Process certified.
Patterson said he and his wife Josette collaborated on the design, as always.
“We knew that a key element that we wanted to incorporate was making it reversible so that the inspiration message could be either a private reminder to the wearer or a public statement to ‘do good,’” he said.
He added that he designed the “do good” message to look like graffiti in order to give it a “young, hip feel.”
Patterson slipped a slice of chrysoprase into the charm, fulfilling the need for the bracelet to have a green element while also paying homage to the land where the bracelet is being manufactured, China.
He said he and his wife, who is a sculptor and ceramic artist, used the slice, or “shard,” of chrysoprase as a nod specifically to Jingdizhen, China, the town where porcelain was first fired some 2,000 years ago.
Hong Kong-based retailer and manufacturer Chow Tai Fook will make the new Green Bracelet, which will be available on DiamondsDo.Good.com for a “suggested donation” of $125 beginning in September. The bracelets will be available for retailers in the fall.
As part of his prize, Patterson will receive a trip to China to meet Chow Tai Fook’s managing director, Kent Wong, and visit jewelry stores in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Other Couture designers who submitted notable designs for the new Green Bracelet were
Julie Romanenko of Just Jules and Bibi Van der Velden, DEF said.
Design entries had to be unisex, include at least one Kimberley Process-compliant diamond, contain the color green and be able to be priced at $125 retail.
Design entries had to be unisex, include at least one Kimberley Process-compliant diamond, contain the color green and be able to be priced at $125 retail.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 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.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
