These Jewelry and Watch Brands Are Giving Back Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
Luxury jewelry and timepiece brands are — like many facets of the design industry — stepping up to do their part to fight the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Graff, the purveyor of magnificent diamonds, and its foundation, the Graff Foundation, has donated $1 million to the World Health Organization COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, which will support research, resources, patient care, healthcare workers, and supplies, treatments, and tests.
“The challenge presented by the pandemic has had a profound effect on all of us at Graff. As an international business, it has been terrible to witness the speed with which the virus has spread, and the pain and uncertainty it is causing throughout the world," says Francois Graff. "The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is a vital tool in the global response to the virus. We are proud to contribute to its lifesaving work and support the medical community and key workers who are heroically devoting their lives to caring for others during this global crisis.”
Kering, the group that houses such brands like Boucheron and Pomellato, is partnering with the CDC Foundation to help provide personal protective equipment and other much-needed supplies for healthcare workers across the country. Kering has pledged $1 million to this cause across the country and especially in impacted states like New York, New Jersey, California, and Florida. Kering also donated $1.1 million earlier this year to Red Cross Society of China, along with Richemont, the group with houses Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Buccellati, Piaget, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, who gave $1.4 million to the organization as well. Bvlgari has also donated to the Research Department of the Lazzaro Spallanzani Hospital in Rome to help develop a vaccine and find a cure.
David Yurman, the family-run brand behind such iconic designs as the famous cable, and its Yurman Family Foundation have committed $1 million to national nonprofits and regional organizations fighting the effects of the virus across America, starting in New York. The brand, which was founded in New York City by husband and wife David and Sybil Yurman, is also committed to funding efforts in other areas of the country they have a presence in, like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
Sanjay Kasliwal is donating 30 percent of all online sales to No Kid Hungry, the organization dedicated to fighting child hunger, especially now that schools have closed and those meals are no longer available. "Now more than ever, I am so proud to be a part of this jewelry community," says Shalini Kasliwal. "It amazes me to see all of my industry colleagues and fellow designers come together and support No Kid Hungry during this time of need. I hope this initiative inspires others to help in anyway they can."
Roberto Coin is honoring nurses by allowing family and friends to nominate nurses in their lives who are going above and beyond for their patients during this time. One hundred winners will be selected between April 16 and May 6, which is National Nurse's Day. Selected nurses will receive an 18-karat gold Princess Flower necklace, one of the Italian house's beloved designs, as a token of appreciation from the brand. Roberto Coin is also donating 20 percent of online sales of its Circle of Life diamond pendants to benefit No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels America.
Kimberly McDonald, the New York City–based jewelry designer known for her organic shapes and use of raw materials, was in the midst of creating a resortwear collection of silk wraps, throws, and wraps when the virus halted production at the Italian factory where her pieces were being produced. The factory, which also manufactures for Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Armani, quickly pivoted to producing 30,000 medical-grade masks for Italian healthcare workers.
Messika has donated to the French charity Solidarite? avec les Soignants, which is working to source and deliver protective personal equipment to nurses working in France, and the Parisian jewelry brand is also working to raise more funds via Instagram with #SolidariteSoignants: For each posted image of the hashtag written on paper and also listed in the caption, Messika will make an additional donation.
The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, usually dedicated to environmental causes, has donated $1 million: $750,000 is pledged to the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, while the remaining will go to the New York Community Trust's NYC COVID-19 Response and Impact Fund. Herme?s has donated €20 million to Paris's public hospitals, in addition to producing hand sanitizer in its fragrance factories and 31,000 masks.
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