From De Beers and Pandora to designers Robinson Pelham and Bea Bongiasca, here’s how the jewelry world is reaching out to Ukraine.
More than 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, according to the United Nations.
Ukrainian refugees, and those who remain in the country during the conflict, need aid.
Here’s how the jewelry industry is stepping up.
De Beers Group
De Beers Group announced last week it would donate $1 million to aid organizations helping those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
“De Beers Group has been shocked by the violence in Ukraine and inspired by the bravery of its people,” said the company.
The Anglo American Foundation, founded in 2005 by parent company Anglo American, will also match donations made by its employees, up to £1,000 per person per year, through its Employee Match Funding program.
The option is available to all permanent employees of Anglo American.
Pandora
Pandora donated $1 million to humanitarian aid organization UNICEF, which will focus its efforts on helping the children affected by the warfare in Ukraine.
“We wish to help the children of Ukraine and their families in this terrible conflict. They need shelter, water, food, medicine, safe zones, and other support to live through the crisis. UNICEF’s work is critical and desperately needed,” said Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik in a press release about the donation.
UNICEF estimates it will need $66.4 million to meet the needs of the up to 7.5 million children in Ukraine.
The organization’s goal is to provide access to basic services, including clean water, hygiene supplies, healthcare, access to education, psychosocial support, and emergency cash assistance.
Pandora has worked with UNICEF Denmark since 2019.
“Pandora’s donation is not only timely but also significant in size,” said Carla Haddad Mardini, UNICEF’s director for private fundraising and partnerships division.
“When partners, like Pandora, respond quickly to our humanitarian appeal, it helps us to act swiftly and provide assistance for those that need it most. In crises, timing is everything,” she adds.
Kering
Kering, the French luxury conglomerate behind brands like Gucci and Boucheron, announced Wednesday via Instagram it would also be lending a hand.
The company said it would make a “significant donation” to the UNHCR, the United Nations Refugees Agency.
The agency is providing aid to Ukrainians displaced by the conflict, adding that “the situation looks set to become Europe’s largest refugee crisis this century.”
“We hope for a peaceful resolution of this conflict,” said Kering.
Kendra Scot
Now through March 6, Kendra Scott is donating 50 percent of proceeds from all its customizable Color Bar styles and from its “Everlyne” bracelets in yellow and navy.
Ukraine’s flag is blue and yellow, signifying blue skies over its yellow wheat fields.
The money will go toward relocating and recovery efforts for those affected in Ukraine.
The funds will go to the Global Empowerment Mission, a nonprofit that sends first responders to global disasters, and Voices of Children, which provides psychological and psychosocial support to children.
Harwell Godfrey
Jewelry designer Harwell Godfrey will continue to donate the profits from her malachite heart talisman to World Central Kitchen, a not-for-profit organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés that provides meals to those in need.
The organization has been on the ground at the Ukraine-Poland border to assist with the refugee crisis.
The designer’s charitable initiative was already in place and has donated a total of $23,338 to WCK as of press time.
Godfrey envisioned the pendant as a healing talisman that resembled a broken heart put back together. The choice to use malachite was purposeful, since it is said to be a protection stone and its green color represents the heart chakra.
“The bail has two bars creating an equal symbol as a gesture of the unity we can achieve when we help each other,” said Godfrey.
The pendant retails for $2,500 and is available on the Harwell Godfrey website.
Photo © Harwell Godfrey.
