Virtual Diamond Boutique (VDB) and International Gemological Institute (IGI) have partnered with Jewelers for Children to host the first-ever international lab grown diamond charity auction. Over $75,000 worth of loose lab grown diamonds and lab grown diamond jewelelry, 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 Monday, August 16and closing at 8:30 pm during the JFC “Facets of Hope”dinner on Sunday night, August 29.  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 grow diamond community has come together to benefit children,” saysDavid 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.”

 The lab grown diamond community has stepped up to strongly support one of the jewelry industry’s favorite charities. Loose lab grown diamonds, 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 jewelry such as a 2 carat emerald cut halo ring. These auction items are coming from a some of the industry’s leading lab grown suppliers such as Aarush Diam, Clarity Diamond, Classic Grown Diamonds, Combine International, Fire Diamonds, Forever Grown Diamonds, Go Green Diamonds, Green Rocks Diamonds, Innovation Diamonds, Labon LLC, Maitri Diamonds Inc., Malakan Diamond Co., Primo Diamonds, Smiling Rocks, Surreal Diamond, Unique Lab Grown Diamond and Z Diamond USA. The auction promises to generate excitement around the possibilities for lab grown technology with exotic colors like red and blue diamonds from Made by Man Diamonds.

IGI will certify and provide grading reports for the donated items, as well as donate logistics services such as storing, shipping and sealing of loose stones.“As a leader in the lab grown and mined diamond industry, IGI is committed to bringing the industry together in support ofmeaningful causes, like the charities benefitted by Jewelers for Children,” says IGI North America President Avi Levy. “When IGI pioneered lab grown diamond certification over 15 years ago, the goal was to provide accurate and reliable reporting, which is still true today, but the opportunity to contribute our knowledge and resources to this all-important fundraising initiative is truly priceless. We are honored to use our trusted services as the vehicle for the international lab grown diamond community to offer compassionate, tangible support to children with catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse.”

The total dollar amount raisedby the auction will be announced in closing remarks at the in-person “Facets of Hope”event in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 29.

"We believe in the power of collaboration to achieve great things,” says Tanya Nisguretsky, President and CEO of VDB. “IGI and VDB arethe perfect partnersfor this project, because we both have meaningful relationships with the labgrown diamond community, and we both offer specific services that will enhance the efficiency and security of this first-ever lab grown diamond charity auction. Together, VDB, IGI, and the lab-growers can do far more for Jewelers for Children than any of us could do individually. It's a win/win/win."

Anyone interested in participating can download the Jewelers for Children auction app on their smart phones (Apple app store or Google Play store for Android) or by visiting vdb.guru/jfc . Following registration on the app, bids can be placedbetween August 16 and August 29.