Feel-Good Friday: Borsheims, Rhinos and Building Wells

Omaha, Neb.—Borsheims is sharing a story about giving back on DiamondsDoGood.com, the website maintained by the Diamond Empowerment Fund that aims to highlight how the industry contributes to communities worldwide.

The Omaha, Nebraska, retailer is the exclusive seller of Kalahari Dream Diamonds, which are sourced by Leo Schachter and directly benefit communities in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

Through sales of the collection, the retailer has funded the creation of wells in two of the drought-impacted villages located near where the diamonds are cut and polished.

In addition, Borsheims is supporting the work of Heather Ingraham, its head diamond buyer. While in Africa, Ingraham volunteers at the Care for the Wild Rhino Sanctuary in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Borsheims donates a portion of the proceeds from the Rhino Pendant, which is set with a 10-point rough Kalahari Dream Diamond, to the sanctuary, which rescues abandoned, injured or orphaned black and white rhinos, rehabilitates them and then releases them back into the wild. The sanctuary’s goal is save the animals from extinction.

A story profiling Borsheims’ efforts in Africa is on DiamondsDoGood.com, which also features a recently added story about the Okavango Diamond Company in Botswana. The stories on the site are targeted to reach a millennial audience through digital and social outreach.

“Putting forward a positive narrative surrounding diamonds is essential,” said DEF President and GIA Senior Vice President Anna Martin. “Sharing these stories with our customers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the entire industry.”

Borsheims, in addition to Ben Bridge Jeweler and Helzberg Diamonds, is owned by the Berkshire Hathaway Group.

The store is prepping for a busy few days as the events surrounding the holding company’s annual shareholders meeting, which is Saturday, kick off today.

As in years past, the store will be selling jewelry and other gifts featuring the signature of Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett, though he will not be getting behind the counter this year.

There’s the $15 “signature sparkle” pen, a more upscale writing instrument from MontBlanc that sells for $250 and a cultured pearl strand and stud set with Buffett’s signature on the clasp priced at $660.

Borsheims also will be selling loose diamonds with a microscopic version of the Oracle of Omaha’s signature inscribed on the girdle, visible only with a jeweler’s loupe. Sarine created and shipped an engraving machine from Israel to Nebraska specifically for shareholders weekend.

National Jeweler