Diamond-Studded Painting Captivates at RJO Foundation Fundraiser

A unique piece of art featuring more than 10 carats of natural diamonds, titled Constellations Over the Sedona, emerged as a significant highlight during a recent fundraising auction hosted by the Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) Foundation. The event took place during the organization’s buying show in Phoenix, Arizona.

Artistry Meets Gemstones

The striking artwork was created by Mike Doland, founder of Doland Jewelers in Iowa and a retailer with a passion for art. Doland’s creation depicts a serene desert landscape under a star-filled night sky, with natural diamonds meticulously placed to represent constellations. These diamonds not only shimmer but also glow under UV light, enhanced by glow-in-the-dark paint incorporated into the piece, ensuring the diamonds remain visible even without external illumination.

Doland shared his vision for the artwork: With ‘Constellations Over the Sedona,’ our goal was to showcase natural diamonds as true works of art. The interplay of natural diamond fluorescence and glowing paint highlights the inherent magic and beauty of these remarkable gems, crafted by nature, enhanced by imagination.

Industry Support and Generosity

The natural diamonds used in the painting were generously donated by VEER, a supplier specializing in diamonds and jewelry. Kaushal Shah, CEO of VEER, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: Partnering with Mike Doland on this extraordinary work of art was truly inspiring. ‘Constellations Over the Sedona’ is a perfect example of how jewelry, art, and innovation can come together to make a meaningful impact.

The painting itself was sold for $8,000 to Tom Nelson of Nelson Jewelry in Spencer, Iowa, who was the winning bidder. This piece was one of eight original paintings Doland created exclusively for the silent art auction.

Impactful Fundraising

The RJO Foundation's fundraising auction successfully raised nearly $15,000 in total. These proceeds are dedicated to supporting the foundation’s core mission of advancing the jewelry industry through education and community initiatives. The RJO Foundation provides crucial resources, including scholarships and grants, to RJO retail owners, vendor owners, and their employees, fostering professional development and growth within the sector.

Sarah Streb, executive director of the RJO Foundation, commented on the success of the event: This auction demonstrates the creativity, generosity, and passion of our RJO family. The funds raised will directly support our foundation’s mission, allowing us to continue providing educational programs and opportunities to our members and communities. The initiative also underscores the power of creativity within the jewelry community, highlighting how art, gemstones, and design can converge to support industry development while engaging professionals at key trade events.