I recently saw a public television article about a goldsmith who
donated a long time collection of gemstones to Habatat for
Humanity. This is a charity which builds houses for the needy. In
order to maximize the income for the charity, other jewelers and
jewelry students around the state of Virginia were enlisted to
volunteer to set these stones, then the work was auctioned off. I
believe they said enough money was realized to build 4 houses. I
think I remember they said the goldsmith was named Vernon Wilson.
Is this our Vernon? If so, I wanted to congratulate him on a very
generous but also very creative gift.
I also wanted to comment on the excellant idea of involving so
many others, especially students in this venture. Not only is he
giving to what I believe is a worthy organization, but he is
helping to encourage others to get involved in ways that they can.
Many students do not have money to donate to charities, they also
dont have the money to be able to work with beautiful
Vernon’s donation not only will result in 4 new houses, but has
given many jewelry students a valuable stonesetting experience,
along with that of helping others, something which I hope they will
long remember.
I would like to thank him both as a teacher and as someone who has
donated to Habatat for Humanity.
Congratulations Vernon! I sent a copy of the local newspaper
article to be posted, but it never made it. You really showed the
true spirit of giving before the holidays, if you would like me to
set any of the stones to donate I would be honored.
Thank yo for your kind words Mary…Vernon. I believe that Habat
still has a lot of gems yet to be set and would welcome any help
which they might recieve from other jewelers and or students thru
out the U.S.A. if any one is interested please contact Starr Mayer
at p.o. box 1443, Newport News, Va. 23601-0443 Phone- 757-596-5553 I
also must give Hoover and Strong Inc. refiners credit for donating
all the gold and silver to the students, they were more then
generious. Vernon
Wendy, sThank you for your offer to set some stones. If you would
please contact Starr Mayer at 596-5553 . I am sure that she will
arange a time for you to go to the bank and pick out your favorite
to play with. Thanks Vernon
I believe that Habat still has a lot of gems yet to be set and
would welcome any help which they might recieve from other
jewelers and or students thru out the U.S.A. if any one is
interested please contact Starr Mayer at p.o. box 1443, Newport
News, Va. 23601-0443 Phone- 757-596-5553
Wow! Thanks Vernon. This sounds great - to have fun and be able
to make a contribution to charity! The only problem: would you
have to go to Virginia to be able to pick up a stone?