Policies & IssuesAug 08, 2024
‘Salmon Gold’ Surfaces Again, This Time at Mejuri Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2024
Gems Keep Giving Reorganizes, Taps Hayley Henning as Board Chair
The organization, which was started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now a 501(c)(3).
Gems Keep Giving, which began as a charitable development fund started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now an independent nonprofit charity.
New York—Gems Keep Giving, an organization supporting artisanal colored gemstone mining and cutting communities, has restructured and announced a new board and chair.
The group, which began as a charitable development fund started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now an independent nonprofit charity, registered in the state of New York as a 501(c)(3).
It has appointed a new board, chaired by Hayley Henning, the former chief commercial officer at ruby and pink sapphire mining company Greenland Ruby, which is currently looking for a buyer.
Newly elected board members are: Damien Cody, Clement Sabbagh, Ruth Benjamin-Thomas, Brian Cook, Rocco Gay, Cecilia Gardner, Robert Weldon, and Henry Ho.
With its restructuring, Gems Keep Giving aims to broaden its reach and is seeking funding from “socially conscious industry stakeholders, corporate sponsors, foundations, and other gem-loving and enthusiastic donors.”
“Our illustrious board members are seasoned professionals from all facets of our industry,” said Henning.
“Together, we intend to raise funds to support [the] colored gemstone mining and cutting communities that need it most.”
Henning also said the organization intends to leverage relationships within ICA to support the communities that serve them.
Related stories will be right here …
The group, which began as a charitable development fund started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now an independent nonprofit charity, registered in the state of New York as a 501(c)(3).
It has appointed a new board, chaired by Hayley Henning, the former chief commercial officer at ruby and pink sapphire mining company Greenland Ruby, which is currently looking for a buyer.
Newly elected board members are: Damien Cody, Clement Sabbagh, Ruth Benjamin-Thomas, Brian Cook, Rocco Gay, Cecilia Gardner, Robert Weldon, and Henry Ho.
With its restructuring, Gems Keep Giving aims to broaden its reach and is seeking funding from “socially conscious industry stakeholders, corporate sponsors, foundations, and other gem-loving and enthusiastic donors.”
“Our illustrious board members are seasoned professionals from all facets of our industry,” said Henning.
“Together, we intend to raise funds to support [the] colored gemstone mining and cutting communities that need it most.”
Henning also said the organization intends to leverage relationships within ICA to support the communities that serve them.
The organization noted that the majority of colored gems are produced by artisanal miners often in areas where the economic, political, social, and infrastructural circumstances are challenging, which is different from the diamond industry.
“The international gemstone industry and trade fully depend on these mining communities and the people that comprise them, without whom we wouldn’t have gemstones!” said Henning.
“It is in the interest of all stakeholders to support and help sustain these communities, ensuring that they thrive and develop for future generations. Gems Keep Giving offers businesses in our industry, [and] across the supply chain, an opportunity and a platform to contribute towards their well-being, bearing in mind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), as set out by the United Nations.”
Applications for funding can be submitted to the Gems Keep Giving website or through direct contact with members of the affected communities, and each will be considered on its merits, said the organization.
More information is available on the Gems Keep Giving website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
