There are so many important conversations happening right now—all at the same time—and it can feel hard to know where to focus your attention.
At this week’s JCK Virtual 2020 show, I can assure you there will be no shortage of topical discussions, including the “JCK 2020 State of the Jewelry Industry Report” keynote happening on Thursday, which will recap the results of the annual survey sent out to jewelry retailers and professionals. This year’s report focuses specifically on the effect COVID-19 has had on the industry.
As JCK editors have been reporting, one popular response to the pandemic has been to stage auctions, giveaways, and charity donations that support organizations engaged in helping businesses, families, frontline workers, and even average citizens in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Increased awareness of issues related to racial injustice in the jewelry industry and in many grief-stricken and outraged communities nationwide has prompted similar actions, from the launch of a scholarship fund to the designing of a special charity pendant and capsule collection.
Yesterday, the Brooklyn, N.Y.–based designer and retailer Mociun (whose most recent jewelry collection was covered here last month) kicked off a Design for Community Relief auction that runs through Saturday. The charities that this effort will support touch on a range of causes that many in the jewelry industry want to see addressed.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit four organizations—Know Your Rights Camp, The Conscious Kid, One Fair Wage, and National Domestic Workers Alliance—that will collectively help with food insecurity, outstanding bills, shelter assistance, and personal protective equipment, especially as these issues relate to BIPOC and financially vulnerable communities.
The sale is headlined by jewelry designs from some top talent, including Katherine Kim of KatKim, Jacquie Aiche, Emily P. Wheeler, and Greenwich St. Jewelers—a mix of “friends and industry leaders” according to a Mociun spokesperson.
“We felt that it was important for Mociun to be proactive and use our reach and contacts to give back to our community and nation,” said owner/designer Caitlin Mociun in a statement. “There are so many people out there hurting and in need, we wanted to do something to help alleviate their burden. It has been heart-wrenching to hear about so many people that are truly struggling and not know exactly how we can help. We turned to organizations that would get as much of the funds into the hands of the people who need it most.”
Here are a few of the daymakers up for auction. Just go for it: Buyer’s remorse is not a thing when there’s so much good to come from your purchase.
Top: One of the three jewelry pieces designer Caitlin Mociun has donated to the auction (in addition to some home decor and artwork she carries in her boutique). Ring with azurite malachite and white and champagne diamonds in 18k yellow gold, Mociun (retail value: $5,500).
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