“Meet the Royal Chain Heroes September Winners - INSTORE MAG” plus 1 more

Meet the Royal Chain Heroes September Winners - INSTORE MAG

Posted: 20 Oct 2020 08:06 PM PDT

(PRESS RELEASE) The CSR initiative launched by Royal Chain, The Royal Chain Heroes, has announced the first group of heroes. The goal in mind: prove that even jewelry brands can lend a hand in making a difference by giving back to their communities. After its launch last month, the program selected four winning heroes for the month of September. These everyday heroes are recognized not only for their courage but also for their selflessness in the areas of healthcare and empowerment of others. Here is a brief snapshot of the four individuals.

Hero 1 is Michelle Patterson, CEO of the Real Share. After being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer last year, Michelle has spearheaded many initiatives supporting women and giving women everywhere a voice. To celebrate all of her humanitarian achievements Michelle received a gold, diamond and amethyst bracelet. The rose gold in the piece symbolizes October as breast cancer awareness month and the amethyst provides natural tranquilizing properties to help healing. Barbara Parker's Diamond Vault, who nominated Michelle, awards her this piece with us.

Hero 2 is Avery Culpepper, a registered nurse. During the pandemic, Avery has been on the front-line taking care of all types of patients and those with COVID-19. Avery gets patients the help they need and puts their needs before her own. We awarded her with our aquamarine earrings, her birthstone. Romantique Jewelers, in Bridgeton, MO will award Avery this piece.

Hero 3, Elaine Canty, was supposed to be retired after over 40 years of hard work as a nurse when she was asked to stay longer to take care of patients during the pandemic. At the start of her career in the 1980's, she was thrust into a world faced with the AIDS pandemic, taking care of patients with nowhere to turn in a time of uncertainty and confusion about the disease. Last Friday she ended her career during another pandemic. Her perseverance has also inspired her daughter to follow in her footsteps and seek a career in nursing. We awarded Elaine with our Italian Cable bangle to celebrate her passion for Italy. Toodies Fine Jewelry, in Quincy, MA will join us in awarding Elaine this piece.

Jory Zimmerman is a critical care nurse practitioner. After a hiking accident, he left his job in the jewelry industry and began a career in healthcare. When the pandemic hit, he left his life in Maryland and moved to New York at his own will and expense to help those in need at the epicenter. His father, owner of Windy City Diamonds in Chicago nominated him for his dedication and passion, and we awarded Jory with our Woven collection bracelet.

These inspiring stories can be found on The Royal Chain Heroes official website www.royalchainheroes.org, their social media pages, and through many retail stores part of the Royal Chain Network.

Retailers across North America are encouraged to submit nominations for everyday heroes in their communities. Fill in the form that can be found on the Royal Chain Heroes website www.royalchainheroes.org. All stories received will be considered for our next round of winners published in November. Let's give thanks to all those who have given so much to others.

Watermelon Tourmaline for Savoring Summer - JCK - JCK

Posted: 23 Sep 2020 12:00 AM PDT

It's nearly October (already!), and naturally that opens the floodgates for a host of opal spotlights. How could one not celebrate what is perhaps one of the most exquisitely beautiful, mesmerizing gemstones out there? But because October babies are fortunate enough not only to be born in the best month (apples and pumpkins! Changing leaves! Halloween!) and to enjoy one of the most beautiful gems as a birthstone, they're blessed with one more: their other birthstone, tourmaline.

Yi Collection watermelon tourmaline bangle — *Bangle bracelet in 18k yellow gold with 2.85 ct. watermelon tourmaline, $1,790; Yi Collection*

Tourmaline is a gem that's just so full of surprises and changing faces, you can't help but be whisked away by it. Say paraiba's not your thing (if that's even possible)—you've got a cornucopia of other shades to choose from. Since this stone has one of the widest color ranges on earth, there really is a tourmaline for everyone.

Amali watermelon tourmaline ring — *Ring in 18k yellow gold with 2.02 ct. watermelon tourmaline, $1,870; Amáli*

Today I'd like to celebrate watermelon tourmaline in particular, that delicious, irresistible gem. As October draws near, the colors we tend to gravitate toward are a little warmer, like the reds and golds of the changing leaves. But I'll see your pumpkin spice and raise you that juicy duo of pink and green any day, any season. Even for me, for whom the iconic black-and-orange combo is like a beacon I can't turn away from this time of year, that mouthwatering color scheme and the way it's drawn together in a tie-dye-like blend are just tops.

Jacquie Aiche watermelon tourmaline necklace — *Necklace in 14k yellow gold with watermelon tourmaline, black opal, and diamonds, $6,250; Jacquie Aiche*

As far as fruit goes, watermelon season is definitely over (though it's always so hit-and-miss, isn't it?). That carefree time of year when you sit outside until the sun goes down, well into the night, savoring that juicy fruit for dessert, letting your kids drip the juice all over the place, even between their toes. It's more than just a messy meal of fruit. It's a feeling, a nostalgic tradition associated with summer that we can tuck away and travel back to in our minds in the dead of winter, the memory sustaining us as we await the warmer seasons. There's a reason watermelon decorates jewelry and clothing and school supplies and whatever else. It's not just because it's a tasty treat. It's symbolic.

Irene Neuwirth watermelon tourmaline earrings — *One-of-a-kind Gemmy Gem Fan earrings in 18k yellow gold with watermelon tourmaline and 0.35 ct. t.w. diamonds, $34,680; Irene Neuwirth*

For me and many others, October can't ever come fast enough. But there's a bit of melancholy to this month, because it brings with it the cold, and the knowledge that once it's over, it will soon be winter. And that's when those watermelon-soaked memories come in handy.

Meira T watermelon tourmaline necklace — *Dainty necklace in 14k yellow gold with watermelon tourmaline beads and diamonds, $450; Meira T*

So for October babies (and anyone just shopping for gemstones for themselves), watermelon tourmaline is highlighted at the perfect time. It's that time when we're all too eager to let summer go in favor of those autumn leaves and spiced treats, but often find we didn't enjoy summer enough while we had it. A stone like watermelon tourmaline can be that yearlong reminder, and if you don't find the memories of summers past flashing before your eyes in its presence, well, at least the colors are bright and cheerful.