This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 20 in 2025. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
On February 5, 2025, Gems Keep Giving© hosted the event “Breakfast with Friends” in Tucson, Arizona, where a limited edition of ten exquisite pins was unveiled to raise awareness of supporting artisanal mining and gemstone cutting communities. The initiative, introduced to industry professionals during the January 2025 edition of Vicenzaoro (in Vicenza, Italy) involves a special collaboration with the Italian brand Petramundi , led by Rocco Gay, renowned for its gemstone cutting expertise, and the esteemed designer Emanuela Burgener of Margherita Burgener, known for sophisticated jewelry and unique designs.
During the event at the Alfie Norville Museum in Tucson, President Hayley Henning presented the prototype of the pin to attendees, including Gabriela Farfan, curator of the Smithsonian’s Gem and Mineral section. The prototype, featuring a Montana sapphire donated by Jeff Hapman, represents North America and will be incorporated into the Smithsonian’s gem and jewelry collection.
Emanuela Burgener, the designer, shared: «Wearing the Gems Keep Giving© pin is more than just an accessory. […] It is a small, yet profound, gesture of generosity and concern for the world and a celebration of sustainable beauty, born from respect for both humanity and Nature».
Each element of these unisex pins, handcrafted in Valenza, Italy (the historical base for both brands), was designed to reflect a specific concept, offering an innovative approach to design and a fresh perspective on luxury jewelry.
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The pink titanium heart celebrates the organization’s logo, symbolizing love, unity, and the foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of those living in mining communities. The five titanium branches extending from it represent the five major continents from which gemstones are sourced, emphasizing a global commitment to supporting sustainable practices and respect for nature. Each pin also features unique heart-shaped gemstones whose colors and origins strengthen the deep connection between gemstones and the communities they represent.
«Colored gems bring joy, happiness, energy, beauty and often wealth», explains Rocco Gay (Petramundi). «I believe it is only fair to share some of this with the entire supply chain, from the small mine at the edge of the world to the luckiest end consumer. I hope this project achieves the success it deserves and that it is only the first in a long series of projects involving our beloved colored gemstones».
Hayley Henning states that this limited edition of pins represents «display of generosity» and that they «will be awarded to the top ten Gems Keep Giving© donors over the next three months».
Originally promoted by the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), Gems Keep Giving© now operates independently, accepting contributions from sponsors, foundations, and donors who share its values of social responsibility and environmental protection. Through its inaugural project (in Kamtonga, Kenya), the foundation secured the provision of clean drinking water and solar energy to a local tsavorite mining community. The foundation aims to extend this model to other mining regions, supporting local communities with the tools and resources they need for a sustainable future, while ensuring the fair and transparent sharing of the benefits of mining.
Donations can be made through the official website: https://gemskeepgiving.org/display-of-generosity-pin
