The California wildfires in Ventura and Los Angeles counties continue their horrific rampage, displacing thousands and destroying homes. According to the Los Angeles Times this morning, the Camp Fire in Paradise has taken the lives of 56 people.

There are several ways to donate to the emergency relief effort. The New York Times recently compiled a list of organizations on the ground that are seeking donations—click here to see the list and donate.

We’re hoping to connect with jewelry businesses in the area in the coming days. During the devastating Thomas Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara last year, members of the local jewelry community took incredible care of each other and their neighbors, as fires engulfed dozens of houses tucked into the city’s hillsides.

At least one jeweler in the Los Angeles area has put a plan into place to raise funds for the emergency’s first responders and victims.

Last night L.A.-based jewelry brand Rosa Van Parys reached out to us with the announcement that the brand will be donating 100 percent of its proceeds from retail sales from now until the end of the holiday season to the Ventura County Community Foundation, which has set up the Hill Fire/Woolsey Fire Sudden and Urgent Needs Effort Fund as a vehicle to collect donations.

“The current events in our community have been unthinkable,” said designer Rosa Van Parys in a prepared statement, “and we want to support those in need in the biggest way we can.”

We anticipate many more jewelry industry-led efforts to help communities and victims rebuild once the smoke clears. The American jewelry industry is nothing if not empathetic and generous.

We will update you with any new ways you and your shoppers can give to those needing urgent help in the region—and please email me at evesilind@gmail.com with any tips.

(Graphic courtesy of Rosa Van Parys)

Emili Vesilind

JCK Senior Editor