Virtual Diamond Boutique (VDB) and International Gemological Institute (IGI) have partnered with Jewelers for Children to host the first-ever international lab-grown diamond (LGD) charity auction. Over $75,000-worth of loose LGDs and LGD jewellery, all with verified grading reports from IGI, will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The digital auction will take place during Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week with bidding opening in advance of the shows on 16th August and closing during the JFC “Facets of Hope” dinner on Sunday night, 29th August.
All bids can be submitted through the digital auction app created and powered by VDB for JFC. Proceeds generated from auction sales will benefit the JFC charity partners, including Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, National CASA Association, Make-A-Wish America, Make-A-Wish International, Santa-America Fund, and Organization for Autism Research.
“We are delighted that the lab-grown diamond community has come together to benefit children,” said David Rocha, executive director of JFC. “Because we were unable to hold in-person events in 2020, VDB developed a fabulous digital auction app. Our virtual auction event held on the app last year proved very popular, and we’re thrilled to now be able to offer this lab-grown diamond event as an option for those who may not be attending market week in Las Vegas or have other commitments at that time. This auction presents an opportunity that fits into everyone’s schedule.” Loose LGDs, ranging in size from 1 to over 3 carats, in a variety of shapes including pear, emerald, round and cushion cut, have been donated to the project, along with some finished jewellery such as a 2-carat emerald-cut halo ring. These auction items are coming from some of the industry’s leading LGD suppliers such as Aarush Diam, Clarity Diamond, Classic Grown Diamonds, Forever Grown Diamonds, Go Green Diamonds, Green Rocks Diamonds, Innovation Diamonds, Labon LLC, Maitri Diamonds Inc., Malakan Diamond Co., Primo Diamonds, Smiling Rocks, Unique Lab Grown Diamond and more.