By Diana S. Zimmerman and Cynthia Unninayar

Each day, we have the opportunity to serve or be served. A life well-lived requires both. – Ancient Proverb

With so much in the news that is negative, this article focuses on the positive. It features awesome individuals who not only run successful businesses, but find time to give back—to make a difference, and in doing so are changing the world one endeavour at a time. They are true examples of the best our industry has to offer and true role models for all.

Lithos Jewelry – Rose and Lornie Mueller

Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have. – Margaret Mead

About 450 million years ago, the seas saw the emergence of one of nature’s most remarkable predators. A creature so amazing that, to this day, it is the object of legends, novels, and modern-day filmmaking. Feared by many, but admired and respected by those who truly understand their crucial role in the survival of our oceans, it is, of course, the shark.

Avid scuba divers as well as jewellers, Lorne and Rose Mueller were instrumental in protecting sharks in Palau.

While most people discount the shark’s importance, one caring couple has made it a life-long passion to stop their oftenbrutal slaughter. Owners of Lithos Jewelry (a premier jewellery store with an AGScertified gem-testing laboratory and an incredible selection and collection of black and white South Sea pearls), Rose and Lornie Mueller are GIA Graduate Gemologists and AGS Certified Gemologist Appraisers. In addition to running a successful business in these economic times, Rose and Lornie are avid scuba divers.

A gray reef shark pays little attention to Lornie and Rose as they swim near it. “We have never felt threatened when in the midst of sharks.”

“There are more than 300 shark species,” Rose explains. “Sharks mature and reproduce late in life, usually at about 10 years of age, and have limited births. It is estimated that over 100 million sharks are killed year by man. This number represents approximately seven percent of the total shark population. These predators serve an important function in this ecosystem. They are really quite lazy and prefer to go after only the weak and infirm fish. Eliminating these fish keeps the gene pool strong. It is vital that sharks are protected.”

Rose and Lornie’s determination to help save these magnificent creatures began with a trip to Palau, an island nation of Micronesia. “We make this difficult journey,” Lornie adds, “so we can scuba dive with the sharks. We have been in the midst of 60 or more at a time. We’ve watched them feed naturally, and move with grace and amazing speed against raging currents. And, we have never felt threatened.

A black-tip shark swimming with Trevally fish, one of the many graceful sharks Rose and Lornie have swum with over the years.

In April 2009, on their 15th trip, Rose adds, “Lucy, the manager of Palau Pacific Resort told us about a bill in the Palau Senate that would allow shark finning. We were devastated. This heinous act had decimated the shark population in most countries of the world.”

The couple knew they needed to take action. “We returned home and began a campaign to stop this bill,” she continues. “I sent certified letters to our Senators in Florida and to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Our government was in the process of gifting a large sum of money to Palau and I thought that it could be tied to a bill to prevent shark finning. But, I didn’t receive even one response.”

“I continued to contact as many international dive operations as I could and urged them to write to the senators in Palau,” Rose explains. “Finally, I contacted the Ocean Futures Society run by Jean-Michel Cousteau, and explained the situation to his research assistant, Holly Lohuis. Jean- Michel personally wrote each senator to plead this cause. He also submitted the study he’d done on the effect of finning on the tourism industry in the Maldive Islands. His intervention, and the response of thousands of divers around the world, made them rescind this bill. It marked the beginning of Palau as the world’s first shark sanctuary!”

Lornie photogrphed this white-tip shark as it swam peacefully in the waters of Palau.

Rose and Lornie have completed over 1,300 dives and 18 visits to Palau. “Sadly,” she says, “there are fewer sharks, indicating that some finning still occurs, but at least it’s being watched. For this, we are grateful. People can make a difference.” And Rose and Lornie Mueller certainly have. Two awesome individuals who made an effort to do what is right, not only for innocent creatures, but also for humanity

Delance Swiss Watches – Gisele Rufer

We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better. – J.K. ROWLING

Gisèle Rufer is definitely not your ordinary watchmaker. There is, in fact, nothing ordinary about her. Her brand, Delance Swiss Watches, was founded in 1996, and creates jewellery timepieces exclusively for women. In just a few years, Delance watches have become a talisman or, if you will, a “taliswoman” for femininity, worn by remarkable women all over the world.

It’s no wonder that, when it comes to feminine causes, Gisèle is an internationally respected champion. “I am involved in many philanthropic projects,” she explains, “but I am especially passionate about the ones that involve women.”

Gisèle Rufer, right, offers a Delance watch to the winner of a drawing to raise money for WIN. Both women are wearing shawls from the Nepal organization WFN.

One of her favourite causes is the Women’s Foundation of Nepal (WFN) an NGO founded in 1988 by a group of professional Nepalese women who share a deep sense of social responsibility and a desire to help women in that nation.

WFN strives to alleviate their problems through increased public awareness of opportunities for economic and social development by promoting gender equality, fostering social responsibility and selfreliance in developing villages and towns, and through direct social work. It empowers women to improve their lives and strengthen their families and their communities through hands-on programs.

“Scarf-making is one of WFN’s projects to help women—who are often subject to domestic violence—elevate themselves to self-reliance,” says Gisèle. “Purchasing these scarves and shawls is a good way to help. At Delance, we regularly buy them for gifts to our clients.” This “give twice” approach not only directly helps women in Nepal, but also creates awareness of their situation with Delance’s clientele.

Maggy Barankitse during a presentation of her humanitarian work at a WIN networking event.

Gisèle is also involved with the Maison Shalom in Burundi. “Maggy Barankitse is a remarkable woman who created this association in 1993 to help restore dignity to war and AIDS orphans, as well as street children and others in poverty,“ explains Gisèle. “We regularly donate watches for her fundraising efforts. Together, there is nothing we can’t achieve.”

In addition to her mentoring projects and watch donations, Gisèle is active in the international women’s networking group, WIN, and travels the globe for its various activities and forums. “I believe women can really help other women,” she insists.

Just as Gisèle Rufer’s stunning watches embody all that is feminine—intelligence, strength, beauty, knowledge, and power— so do her actions. “I feel that women hold a special empowering energy, the knowledge and use of which Western women have now reclaimed in our work and our lives. We have an obligation to help all women around the world, regardless of caste, race, or religion, to do the same.”

Rosy Blue – Chikashi Miyamoto

We must become the change we want to see in the world. – Mohandas K. Gandhi

Rosy Blue is one of the world’s largest diamantaires. The company’s success is due as much from the exceptional quality of its products, as it is from the laudable ethics and integrity of the individuals who run it.

Chikashi Miyamoto pauses on Day 3 at the border between France and Italy, at an altitude of 2744 meters, during the Turin-Monte Carlo cycling challenge.

In September, 2013, Rosy Blue sponsored one of its employees, Chikashi Miyamoto, to take part in the Turin to Monte Carlo cycling challenge of the Tour of Italy (Giro d’Italia) in support of Akshaya Patra, an international charity that provides food for education to more than a million children in India. “Supporting the Akshaya Patra Foundation is very important to me,” Chikashi Miyamoto explains “because no child should be forced to choose between earning money and basic education. My primary charitable cause is children, and my personal and professional association with the country of India for almost 30 years led me to the Akshaya Patra cause.”

Miyamoto points out a few reasons he is so passionate: “One in three malnourished children lives in India. Twenty-six million primary school aged children are not in school, and 40 percent of students drop out before reaching the 5th grade.”

“Witnessing poverty-stricken children on the streets every time I visit the country, after which my daughter is named, is heart wrenching. The only way to have an enduring impact on generations to come is to enable these children to be educated,” he adds. “The Turin to Monte Carlo route includes extremely demanding climbs, but the challenge is nothing compared to what India’s poorest children must endure day in and day out.”

Two members of the convivial group of 23 riders who set off from Alpignano, Italy on the five-day Turin to Monte Carlo cycling challenge, pause at one of the mountain passes in the fog.

The cycling challenge covered 470 km and 11,700 m of gruelling climbs that encompass some of the most difficult mountain passes featured in previous Giro d’Italia routes. It included climbing six passes over 2,000 m with the highest point reached on Day 3, Colle dell’Agnello (2,744 m), the sixth highest paved road in the Alps. [As a point of comparison, this year’s Tour de France had only one pass over 2,000 m, and it was 2,001 m.]

“To date, the campaign has raised more than £13,000,” he says. “If we include uncollected pledges, the total is currently over £14,000. Given that the ride is a fully supported one, and involved international travel, the cost of participation is quite substantial.

Chikashi Miyamoto raised more than £14,000 for the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which feeds more than 1.3 million children in India. (Photo courtesy of Akshayapatra.org.)

Rosy Blue made this fundraising campaign possible by paying a substantial portion of the participation costs.” The diamond industry hasn’t always garnered the best reputation, but with companies such as Rosy Blue and awesome individuals such as Chikashi Miyamoto, the world is a much better place.

Jewelmer – Jacques Branellec and Manuel Cojuangco

Hope has two beautiful daughters; Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are. – Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

The focus of Manila-based Jewelmer has been on creating pearl farms to produce the highest quality golden pearls in the world. Along with their success, however, co-founders Jacques Branellec and Manuel Cojuangco are looking to the next level, where environmental protection, sustainability, and social responsibility are vitally important—where Jewelmer can contribute to making an even bigger difference.

Jacques Branellec examines the many organisms that thrive in the protected pearl farms, which serve as bio-regenerators for the area’s seas.

“While pollution, climate change, rising sea levels, and shore erosion are a threat to the global community,” says Jacques Branellec, “Jewelmer is also confronted with challenges on a micro level, problems with a direct bearing on the health of our oysters and hence our pearls.”

The most destructive challenge is the illegal practice of sodium cyanide fishing. “In order to capture live fish for the restaurant trade in parts of Asia,” Jacques says, “fishermen drop the deadly poison into the ocean. It stuns the fish, which are scooped up in nets, only to end up in an aquarium in an Asian restaurant to be selected as someone’s dinner. Just one teaspoon of cyanide dropped into the water will kill the other marine organisms, including coral, over 1,000 square meters. Even when diluted, its toxicity persists for 20 years.”

“In the equally illegal dynamite fishing, sticks of the explosive are thrown into the water and kill not only the target fish, but all the other fauna and flora nearby,” he continues. “The dead fish that float to the surface are scooped up, but all the others fall to the bottom.” In addition to taking decades for the coral to recover from these violent explosions, the sound deafens birds, marine mammals, fish, and other animals, causing disorientation, disease, and death.

Among the SPSF’s environmentally-oriented activities are classes on raising honey bees.

A third challenge is the unlawful technique of “slash and burn” used in cultivating rice. The desertification of the land and resulting silt that enters the ocean upsets the natural balance in the coastal ecosystem, leading to its ultimate destruction.

Facing these issues on a daily basis, Jacques and Manuel realized that simply prohibiting these practices will not work because for some (but not all) of these wrongdoers, it is a question of survival.

The only durable answer to these problems is to change the prevailing mentality and behavior by offering other options. In 2006, they created “Save Palawan Seas Foundation (SPSF)” to provide workable alternatives that are both economically rewarding and environmentally friendly.

The SPSF includes conservation and management strategies to facilitate the long-term sustainable use of aquatic resources of the province of Palawan. It also operates a free medical clinic for residents of the neighbouring communities.

The SPSF’s model farm is used to teach the local community about the benefits of organic farming.

Among SPSF’s activities are classes for the local population on organic farming, cultivation of seaweed (large buyers have shown great interest), fish farming in sea pens, sea cucumber farming, handicrafts, and raising bees. “The results have been nothing short of spectacular!” Jacques confides. “We have people lining up for this type of education,” adds Manuel, “and some have even started small businesses and sell their products to tourist resorts or other communities in the area.”

A free medical clinic is just one of Jewelmer’s projects to help the local population.

Jewelmer’s activities have garnered unexpected but welcome attention from outside, as Jacques explains: “A man from Europe who visited the pearl farms and also the SPSF was so impressed with the bee-farming project that he returned home and started a foundation to complement this work. He subsequently created 400 hives in the Philippines, with the proceeds of each hive going to finance one child’s schooling for one year. He came as a tourist and returned as a benefactor. Even if we think our own impact is limited, it has, in reality, no limits.”

Simons Jewelers – Simon Katz

For it is in giving that we receive. – St. Francis of Assisi

For over 35 years, Simons Jewelers has been one of St. Louis’ finest jewellers, featuring designer jewellery and watches that range from classic to unique, and from serious to fun.

And, the company also makes an awesome statement when it comes to caring and compassion. “The Humane Society of Missouri is one of the oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations in the United States,” says owner Simon Katz. “It is an open admission shelter receiving thousands of animals yearly. I’m amazed that an organization that receives no tax support or United Way funding can accomplish all they do for the animals.”

Simon Katz and wife Francine at the PAWS for Celebration event held in their store to benefit the Humane Society of Missouri. Over the years, they have raised more than $800,000 for the HSMO.

A dog owner himself, with two rescue dogs, Simon goes on to say: “I’m very proud to be among HSMO’s dedicated supporters and gratified that I can help them to achieve their mission of providing second chances for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals.”

Simon Katz doesn’t just support this important cause; he works diligently to make sure others are aware of its efforts. One example is an annual fundraising event called “A PAWS for Celebration,” held every October in his store.

Every guest receives a $50 gift certificate good for any jewellery purchase through the end of the year, plus a chance to win a $5,000, $2,500 or $1,000 shopping spree. “This year’s fundraiser included a special showing of incredible jewellery from Roberto Coin, Mazza Jewelry, Roberto Demeglio, and Joshua J,” he says. “We make sure there is something for every taste and budget.”

“Over the years our attendance has certainly grown,” adds Simon. “In the very beginning, we had 150 or so guests. Now, our attendance is anywhere from 325 to 450 people. And this year, we had quite a bit of competition, all in St. Louis. The St. Louis Cardinals were playing Game 5 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the St. Louis Blues hockey team was playing the Chicago Blackhawks. We expected a drop in attendance, but more than 400 people came and the event was quite successful. Over the past 20 years, we have raised more than $800,000 for the HSMO.”

Kathy Warnick, president of the HSMO presents Simon Katz with a certificate of recognition and designation of the new “Katz Cozy Canine Wing.”

Thanks in part to Simons Jewelers generous support, the HSMO is opening a new facility, in another part of St. Louis, called the New Best Buddy Pet Center, with a section called the “Katz Cozy Canine Wing.”

For most companies, helping just one charity would be enough. But Simons Jewelers is not like most companies. “We are involved in many local charitable organizations. Being in the jewellery business and having relationships within your community makes you aware of the needs of those less fortunate. I think a strong component of our success is that we believe in giving back to our community.”

Two rescue dogs that were adopted by animal lovers, Simon Katz and wife Francine, owners of Simons Jewelers in St. Louis.

Simon Jewelers is more than just a highly successful business. It is a business that is making a difference for so many— some of which have been abandoned and abused, and others who sometimes simply need a helping hand.

YVEL Jewelry – Isaac and Orna Levy

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. – WINSTON CHURCHILL

Orna and Isaac Levy, founders of Yvel.

Isaac and Orna Levy are co-founders of the prestigious Yvel jewellery brand whose award-winning pearl and gemstone collections are sold in over 650 exclusive retail stores worldwide. Yvel’s innovative and contemporary jewels are manufactured at the Yvel Design Center, a 50,000-square foot complex in Motza, near Jerusalem.

Yet, Isaac and Orna’s mission in life goes far beyond their remarkable company, and begins with a dream of assisting new Ethiopian immigrants to integrate professionally and socially into Israeli society. In 2012, the couple realized their dream when they opened the Megemeria School of Jewelry and Art.

Megemeria means “Genesis” in the Ethiopian native language of Amharic.

Megemeria means “Genesis” in the native Ethiopian language of Amharic, an apt title since the school provides Ethiopian immigrants with a fresh new beginning by offering each student practical training in the art of jewellery manufacturing, as well as job placement assistance for graduates upon completion of the program.

Located in the Yvel Design Center, this first-of-its-kind educational facility offers a unique opportunity to 21 Ethiopian students each year who receive professional hands-on training in the jewellery-related arts of goldsmithing, stonesetting, design, and manufacturing, as well as enrichment classes in Hebrew and math. Students receive a monthly stipend while attending, and employment opportunities after completion of the one-year course.

Remembering his personal difficulties relating to his immigration experience to Israel as a young boy from Argentina, Isaac says that he had “a strong desire to create a better way of embracing immigrants into Israeli life and culture.”

He decided to concentrate his efforts on the vulnerable Ethiopian community, who often face multiple challenges when integrating into Israeli society. A remark from one of the students shows how the efforts have paid off: Isaac and Orna Levy try and tell us that we are equal in society, only now I can feel it. We will have a profession and can work and progress like everyone else. Our children will see this and be very happy for us.”

Investing their own money into the project, the first corporate social project of its kind in Israel, the Levys also receive some additional financial support for the program from friends around the world and a few humanitarian organizations.

Ethiopian students receive hands-on training in jewellery-related arts at the Megemeria School as well as help with job placement after graduation.

Students design and manufacture their own jewellery, branded under the name Megemeria, in a variety of motifs, with all profits generated by sales returning to the company to fund the continuation of the school. The collection features pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings made of 24K gold-plated brass, with prices ranging from US$40 to US$400.

Megemeria jewellery is crafted by the students in 24K gold-plated brass in a variety of motifs.

The Megemeria collection, inspired by the immigrants’ personal and collective journey to Israel, is sold through Yvel distribution channels and at the Yvel Design Center. Visitors can observe the students in action as they learn the arts and crafts of jewelry making and design.

Isaac and Orna have not only realized their dreams, but are dream-makers for hundreds of individuals and their families. In a world where so many are left with only the nightmares of trying to survive, this couple is the epitome of Megemeria, the Genesis of a new life.

None of us can ever really know the type of impact we can have on another’s life until we try. But our actions—large or small—will have an impact, just as these awesome individuals have shown. And, it doesn’t take much. Even a smile can change a person’s day.

Perhaps Stella McCarthy summed it up best: “Everyone can do simple things to make a difference. And every little bit does count.“