Columbia Gem House launches its second annual fundraising auction with nonprofit partner NEST to raise funds in support of up-and-coming BIPOC jewelry makers. Auction pieces are now available to bid on with one hundred percent of proceeds donated to NEST’s Jewelers United Program.

Each jewelry design was inspired by the fictional story shared with designers as part of the MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, then brought to life using a variety of responsibly sourced gemstones donated by Columbia Gem House. Participating designers were challenged with creating a piece inspired by the story and inclusive of the seven donated stones. Donated gem varieties include Oregon Sunstone, Montana Sapphire, Australian Sapphire and Brazilian Fire Citrine.

Participating designers who donated their work to the Jewelers United Fundraising Auction include:

• Nashira Arnó | designer/owner of Nashira Arnó Studio based in New York City, and a previous Jewelers United award recipient
• Kaelin Cordis | owner of Kaelin Design based in Rogers, Arkansas
• Lauren Davidson | owner of Ellie Air Jewellery based in Dorset, United Kingdom
• Cady Carlson Dill | owner of Cady Carlson Designs based in Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Jamie Hollier | owner of Balefire Goods based in Arvada, Colorado
• Kimi Kaplowitz | owner of Theeth Jewelry based in Portland, Oregon
• David Thorp | owner of Mercurius Jewelry with wife Alisa Thorp based in Oakland, California
• Sandrine Valentine | owner if Sandrine B. Jewelry based in New York City

Bidding Now Open Through November 8^th, 2022

The donated jewelry pieces are now available to bid on at www.columbiagemhouse.com through November 8^th at 11:59PM. Bidders may place one time bids, set automatic bidding or may also ‘buy out’ the piece at its full retail value to secure the purchase. Winning bidders will receive a book celebrating the designers and stories behind each piece. One hundred percent of each sale will be donated to NEST in support of its Jewelers United Program.

More About NEST & The Jewelers United Program

Nest is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) supporting the responsible growth and creative engagement of the artisan and maker economy to build a world of greater gender equity and economic inclusion. The Jewelers United program, a subsect of their larger Makers United program, is helping to build a more vibrant makers movement across the United States by providing BIPOC jeweler entrepreneurs with the resources and market access opportunities they need to thrive. With a focus on delivering innovative market access solutions to entrepreneurs who often face barriers to accessing the support they need, Makers United ensures that the growing American makers movement is generating opportunities for all makers regardless of gender, race, economic means, or ability. Visit www.buildanest.org to learn more. 

More About Columbia Gem House

Founded in 1976, Columbia Gem House is a family-run Fair Trade and Responsibly Sourced colored gemstone wholesaler. Since the early 2000’s, the company has been building the world’s largest ethical mine-to-market gemstone supply chain, with a vision to create a world where responsibly sourced gems are the rule not the exception. Owner Eric Braunwart has made it his mission to transparently share the details of every gem they sell. To accurately share these details, Columbia Gem House created their Fair Trade Gems® Principles & Protocols, categorizing each gemstone so buyers can confidently understand the story behind their purchase. To safeguard the story behind each gem, Columbia Gem House operates with its own cutting and heat treatment facilities, and works directly with governments, nonprofits, and miners to ensure safety, fair wages, and environmentally responsible mining throughout the supply chain. Visit www.columbiagemhouse.com to learn more.