November 2022 | Columbia Gem House and non-profit partner NEST launch the Jewelers United Auction in support of BIPOC jewelry designers and makers. Following the MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, participating designers were invited to physically create their pieces using responsibly sourced colored gems donated by Columbia Gem House. Those pieces were auctioned off, raising a total of $7,000, all of which was donated to Nest in support of its Jewelers United Program. Thank you to designers, bidders and other supporters who made this a success!
All Proceeds Support NEST Jewelers United Program
Each piece purchased from the auction directly supported the NEST Jewelers United Program, part of its greater Makers United Program. The Jewelers United Program supports BIPOC led/founded jewelry businesses in the US through access to various resources, mentoring, and a direct capital investment to support urgent business needs required to scale.
NEST
Nest is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) supporting the responsible growth and creative engagement of the artisan & maker economy to build a world of greater gender equity and economic inclusion.
Through programs that support the wellbeing of artisans both in the United States and globally, Nest is bringing radical transparency and opportunity to the informal handworker economy. To learn more, visit www.buildanest.org.
A Long-Awaited Reunion: 2022 MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge
At the center of the 2022 challenge was a fictional story about an adopted woman wanting to learn more about where she came from, resulting in a reunion with her sister.
Each jewelry piece created was inspired by this story. You can visit each product page to learn how the story inspired each design.
Interested in Participating in the 2023 Design Challenge & Fundraising Auction?
Email us at info@columbiagemhouse.com for more information.
