GoFundMe Launched Following Jeweler’s Murder

Los Angeles—Sarah Alden, a collector and seller of vintage jewelry, has died at the age of 53.

She had an eye for vintage pieces, curating a collection for sale under the brand Sarah Alden Estate on Roseark.com.

Alden died May 24 following a violent attack on April 6 near the Venice Canals in Los Angeles that left her brain dead. Her family opted to take her off life support.

She had just signed a one-year lease to move to Venice Beach from Massachusetts and was set to share the good news with friends at brunch the following day.

“Sarah was looking to start a new chapter in her journey; to walk a new road. Instead, her life was violently taken from her,” according to her GoFundMe.

The GoFundMe was organized by a friend of Alden’s, with the money going to her two sons to cover the costs for her memorial, funeral, and medical expenses, and their college educations.

As of press time, donations totaled nearly $50,000, with a goal of $150,000.

“In honor of something positive coming from this heartbreaking, completely unnecessary, early death, Sarah’s sons have chosen to donate her organs,” according to the GoFundMe.

“They hope the love of their mother can live on through the gift of life to others. Her final chapter will help others live on and continue on their road.”

Alden was remembered for her love of “sunrises on the east coast and sunsets on the west coast.”

“Sarah homeschooled her two sons, adored her animals, and was blessed with a refined eye for vintage jewelry,” said the GoFundMe.

Industry friends and colleagues also remembered Alden via social media.

Konstantinos Leoussis, jewelry designer and founder of NYC Autumn Jewelry and Object Show, paid tribute to his “irreplaceable friend” in an Instagram post.

“[Sarah] was one of the first jewelry instagram accounts I connected with over 12 years ago and our friendship was very important to us and she was so damn supportive of our endeavor to start KIL NYC,” he wrote.

“We would randomly run into each other in New York City and spend a lot of time at jewelry shows and sharing our finds.”

In a Twitter post, Ismael Khan of Ishy Antiques wrote, “She was one of the best people I’ve ever met. This whole situation feels unbelievable.”

The alleged attacker, Anthony Francisco Jones, 29, has been charged with murder. He is being held without bail and has pleaded not guilty.

He is also accused of attacking another woman, Mary Klein, 54, on the same night, who survived. A GoFundMe in support of Klein has raised $105,545, surpassing its goal of $75,000.

“Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family and friends during this unimaginably tragic time,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón in a statement. 

“We are committed to seeking justice for both victims of these heinous crimes. The additional murder charge carries a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, in addition to the life sentences for the crimes previously alleged.”

A memorial for Alden will be held on June 13 at 7 p.m. at the Venice Canals.