(PRESS RELEASE) BOCA RATON, FL — The Gordon Company and Jewelers for Children are collaborating on a one-of-a-kind, experiential fundraising initiative culminating at the JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show in May. Artist Neimar Duarte will set up a “studio” in Gordon Co.’s booth (LUX Lobby 102) to complete an original painting inspired by an iconic image of the late Princess Diana wearing some of her signature blue sapphire jewels.
Princess Diana
Duarte, a Brazilian-born airbrush artist who earned international renown for his unique style—a mix of photorealism and fantasy art honed while creating custom paintings for cars and motorcycles—estimates that it will take about 150 hours to complete the piece he will finalize at JCK. Valued at more than $10,000, Duarte’s painting will be auctioned at the annual Jewelers for Children Facets gala on May 26, to benefit the organization and its mission to support children facing catastrophic illness and life-threatening circumstances.
Princess Diana broke tradition and set engagement ring trends when she selected her 12-carat Ceylon blue sapphire and diamond ring in 1981. Sales of blue sapphire rings surged around the world then, and again in 2010 when Kate Middleton began wearing Diana’s ring.
Neimar Duarte
“We’re proud to support Jewelers for Children in a way that’s both meaningful and memorable,” said Steve Webb, Executive Vice President of The Gordon Company. “This project represents a rare intersection of art and jewelry in support of a very worthy cause.”
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JCK attendees are invited to stop by The Gordon Co.’s LUX Lobby booth to see Duarte’s artwork in progress, meet the artist and learn more about the upcoming auction at the Facets gala.
