British Jeweler's Silent Auction Raises Funds for COVID-19 Relief Efforts

JCK has reported on the heroic efforts of big-name jewelry companies donating millions to COVID-19 relief efforts, as well as small jewelry brands doing their share to help make sure quarantined kids get the meals and nutrition they need and one Florida-based jeweler that’s donating pearl bracelets to show its gratitude for health care workers.

And we have a story about how a variety of international watchmakers are contributing in unique and meaningful ways, from monetary donations to supplies.

The pandemic, by definition, is a global affair, and one British family’s response to it recently gave millions (including me) a bit of a reprieve from the weight of it all, plus a realization that we really and truly are all in this together.

And that’s why I wanted to cover a silent online auction held by London-based jeweler Theo Fennell in support of the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation’s COVID-19 Appeal featuring five one-of-a-kind jewels. The organization will receive 15% of the highest bid fetched by each piece. Winning bidders will also receive the original artwork of each piece, signed and bound.

“While this dreadful virus is doing its worst here in the middle of London, extraordinary people are doing wonderful things. One of these is the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation. It is looking after people who really need it and, as Chelsea has been our company’s home for 40 years, it seemed only right to support them. We hope this auction will be a bit of fun in these perilous times but also raise some funds for our local heroes,” said Fennell in a statement.

The auction ended yesterday, but the pieces are all representative of Fennell’s fine work, and the craftsmanship coming out of his Chelsea-based design studio, and I thought they deserved a little fanfare. Plus, more Theo Fennell silent auctions are planned for the coming months, to further assist in funding London-based COVID-19 relief efforts.

The silent auction approach, too, is good food for thought for small, independent American jewelers who want to support health care workers and first responders in their communities, beyond the nightly rounds of applause. There are also some worthy charities noted here.

Fennell’s auction is also a great reminder that you don’t have to be a mega brand to make a difference. And think of the joy the jewelry brought to its customers.

Like that wonderful British family’s parody of “One Day More,” everyone has a part to sing.