Jeweller’s novel charity support

In collaboration with the charity, Davison’s innovative collection will be auctioned by eBay this month with funds raised going to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.

Davison, an avid ‘op-shopper’ told Jeweller that she wanted to create something unique, which could in turn benefit society and allow people to see the beauty in pre-loved jewellery.

“I bought all the recycled jewellery at Vinnies for about $900 and managed to get donations to help me conduct the project,” Davison said. “I thought, why not spend my money somewhere that can benefit others?”

Part of her major assessment at COFA, Davison’s collection encourages jewellers’ to think outside the box and provides jewellery retailers and suppliers with an innovative method of reducing old stock levels.

David Geller, one of the world’s foremost authorities in jewellery retailing believes both retailers and suppliers are well positioned to help charities by donating old stock.

The Mad Hatter piece, one of Davison's five necklaces

“While no money changes hands, there are plenty of benefits for the retailer who no longer has to contribute time and effort into moving old stock, and whose brand will get a community boost for contributing to charity,” Geller said. “Most importantly, contributing to charity is actually a very noble and worthwhile activity.”

Yolanda Saiz, spokesperson for Vinnies said jewellers’ wishing to donate old stock could do this either directly at any Vinnies outlet or through an online campaign like Davison’s.

“Sophia approached us with her idea and we always encourage these things,” Saiz said. “Jewellers’ can set up an option to sell items either in store or on eBay for example and these sales could be donated to Vinnies.”

Saiz added that jewellers’ gain great community exposure from participating in charitable events, saying that their company profiles enhance in addition to providing an outlet for any outdated stock.

“Initiatives like Sophia’s promote an online auctioning of old jewellery items,” Saiz said. “We can assist with the media campaigns and setting up displays and online awareness.”

According to Davison, recycled jewellery is growing in popularity with younger consumers. She said eco-friendly jewellery ranges encourages designers to “think outside the jewellery box”.