JCK Online 2020 - Gemfields’ New Designer Capsule Supports African Wildlife
Today, Gemfields released a capsule featuring works by an international corps of top-tier jewelry designers. But the collection is much more than a showcase for the miner’s Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies.
Developed long before the COVID-19 crisis and the Black Lives Matter movement became the world’s most pressing causes celebres, the Gemfields launch is a partnership with the international conservation charity Space for Giants: Their joint initiative is called Walk for Giants—effectively a fundraising and awareness-building campaign for African wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on protecting the continent’s beloved elephants and their natural habitat.
The campaign kicks off with a 44-piece collection from Gemfields (highlights below, available on Gemfields’ website), and a series of 15 sustainable collections for sale exclusively on the luxury online retailer Net-a-Porter.
Proceeds from the sales of these jewels will bring critical support to protect a vulnerable animal near and dear to the hearts of conscientious consumers and designers alike.
In a prepared statement, Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson said, “Africa’s natural resources, whether in the form of her minerals or her biodiversity, must play a greater role in supporting local communities and championing vast conservation spaces. We…are honored to support the energetic team at Space for Giants in their intrepid cause.”
Dr. Max Graham, founder and CEO of Space for Giants, added, “What Walk for Giants so brilliantly amplifies is that conserving existing natural landscapes is…the best economic deal around. Nature-based businesses bring jobs, buy from local suppliers, pay taxes, and build national economies. But the natural assets these enterprises rely on—including Africa’s last populations of mega-fauna—are under grave risk. We are excited that Gemfields and Net-a-Porter have chosen to use their influence to bring much needed attention and funds to this cause.”
The Green African Elephant watch with 18k white gold case with diamonds, green mother-of-pearl dial with hand-painted elephant, diamond crown, and bracelet strap featuring 9.55 cts. t.w. diamonds and 3.93. cts. t.w. Zambian emeralds in 18k white gold, $220,000; Backes & Strauss x Gemfields.