Press Release: February 2022
Myne London Foundation Charity Ball: Elevating Lives Through Ethical Emeralds and Empowerment
Myne London, the renowned London-based supplier of ethically sourced emeralds, is thrilled to announce further details for its highly anticipated inaugural Myne London Foundation Charity Ball. Set to take place on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the exquisite Hurlingham Club in London, this exclusive event promises an evening of sophistication, entertainment, and heartfelt philanthropy. Special guests and VIPs will gather to raise crucial funds for the Myne London Foundation, dedicated to empowering lapidary communities in the Northern regions of Pakistan through transformative educational opportunities.
A Noble Cause: Championing Girls’ Education in Pakistan
At the heart of Myne London’s mission lies a profound commitment to social responsibility, extending far beyond the beauty of its gemstones. The Myne London Foundation, established in September 2021, was created with the singular goal of making a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls in Pakistan. The foundation’s initiatives directly support daughters of the emerald mining communities by providing essential funds for school fees, uniforms, and crucial transportation costs.
These measures are not merely financial aid; they represent a lifeline for young girls in a country where, despite significant progress over the last decade, a staggering 12 million girls aged 5-16 remain out of school. As highlighted by The Malala Fund, access to education is often the determining factor between a girl’s future being one of enlightenment and opportunity, or one where she is left behind. By addressing these fundamental needs, the Myne London Foundation aims to break cycles of poverty and inequality, paving the way for a brighter, more empowered future for these young women and their communities.
An Evening of Elegance and Impact at The Hurlingham Club
To celebrate the launch of this vital foundation and to kickstart its fundraising efforts, Myne London Co-Founders, sisters Fiona Wellington and Kate Murray Gordos, are personally hosting this prestigious event. The Hurlingham Club, a private members’ club nestled in the heart of Chelsea, London, provides an idyllic backdrop for an evening dedicated to a truly impactful cause. The Charity Ball is proudly sponsored by the Branding Science Group, whose support underscores a shared commitment to global social responsibility.
The evening promises an exquisite experience for all attendees. Guests will be welcomed with a sophisticated champagne reception in the venue’s iconic glass-domed Palm Court, setting a tone of grandeur and anticipation. This will be followed by a gourmet three-course dinner, meticulously prepared and served while overlooking the serene terrace, offering picturesque views that enhance the dining experience. The ambiance will be one of camaraderie and celebration, uniting individuals passionate about ethical practices and humanitarian causes.
For those wishing to secure their place at this transformative event, tickets are available for purchase.
Tickets via Eventbrite
Star-Studded Entertainment and Exclusive Auction Highlights
The night’s entertainment will be hosted by the charismatic and much-loved TV presenter, Jenny Powell, a long-time supporter of Myne London’s vision and ethical endeavors. Her engaging presence is sure to add an extra spark to the proceedings. Guests can look forward to a thrilling charity raffle and an auction featuring an array of truly remarkable prizes, generously donated by Myne London’s esteemed supporters across the fashion, jewellery, and entertainment industries.
Among the covetable auction items are:
- A unique piece of jewellery, exquisitely designed by Octavia Elizabeth, featuring ethically sourced Myne London emeralds, a true testament to sustainable luxury.
- A bespoke-cut morganite gemstone from the distinguished UK master cutter, Dr. Steven Sweetman, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of unparalleled lapidary artistry.
- An unforgettable private dance lesson with the professional sensation from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Kristina Rihanoff, promising a glamorous and educational experience.
- VIP tickets to the exhilarating Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offering an exclusive and thrilling experience for motorsport enthusiasts.
- A private dining experience at Heston Blumenthal’s world-renowned restaurant, Dinner, providing an extraordinary culinary journey.
These are just a few of the exceptional items available, each offering a unique experience or a cherished collectible, all while contributing to a life-changing cause. The evening will culminate with captivating live music performances from a lineup of talented Bristol-based artists, including the soulful Holysseus Fly, the dynamic James Vine, and the powerful voice of The Voice finalist, Hannah Williams, ensuring a memorable and uplifting conclusion to the gala.
Myne London’s Vision: Sustainability, Traceability, and Empowerment
Fiona Wellington, Co-Founder of Myne London, eloquently shares the driving force behind their work: “The Myne London Foundation aspires to banish the limiting factors that prevent the Myne London emerald community from achieving their educational needs. Our debut Myne London Charity Ball will raise funds to support the initiatives of our Foundation and will bring our customers, friends, peers and members of the gemstone and jewellery trades together for an evening of networking and entertainment. We hope you can join us to celebrate the amazing things we can achieve when focusing on sustainability, traceability and ethics in our supply chains.”
Myne London stands as a beacon of responsible sourcing in the gemstone industry. The company is committed to not only delivering traceable, high-quality melee emeralds to esteemed designer jewellery brands worldwide but also to fostering profound social change. A significant aspect of their operational model involves training and employing a workforce that is 75% female. This commitment to gender equality provides women with access to education, valuable training, and skilled employment, directly contributing to their economic independence and societal standing.
Beyond their core supply chain, Myne London actively promotes women’s empowerment through the creation of bespoke jewellery featuring exquisite Swat Valley emeralds and through impactful collaborations with leading international jewellery brands and designers. Each emerald tells a story not just of geological wonder, but of positive human impact.
A Personal Connection: The Heart Behind Myne London
The dedication of Myne London’s Co-Founders, Fiona Wellington and Kate Murray Gordos, stems from a deeply personal connection to the region. Having spent their formative years and childhood in Pakistan, they possess a unique, first-hand understanding of the communities and challenges within the area. This intimate knowledge fuels their passion for ethical sourcing and community development.
In 2018, their commitment led them to collaborate with renowned gemmologist Charles Evans. Together, they embarked on a journey to the little-known Swat Valley region, a treasure trove of exceptional emeralds. Their meticulous work not only determined the superior quality of these locally mined gemstones but also laid the groundwork for developing a sustainable and responsible method for bringing these breathtaking jewels to the global market. This pioneering approach ensures that every Myne London emerald is not only beautiful but also ethically sound, reflecting transparency and integrity from mine to market.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The Myne London Foundation Charity Ball is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to contribute to a legacy of positive change. Your participation directly fuels the foundation’s mission to provide essential educational support to girls in Pakistan, transforming individual lives and empowering entire communities.
For the convenience of guests traveling from afar, the Myne London team has secured favorable rates at local hotels, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience for all attendees. Further detailed information about the event, accommodation options, and valuable sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals committed to social good can be obtained by contacting [email protected]. Your support, whether through attendance or sponsorship, is invaluable.
Tickets to the Myne London Charity Ball are priced at £175, an investment in a brighter future. Secure your place at this inspiring evening and be part of a movement that champions ethical practices and empowers the next generation.
Tickets can be purchased here.
About Myne London: Crafting a Legacy of Impact
Founded in the prestigious Belgravia, London, in 2018, Myne London® is a pioneering company specializing in sourcing emeralds ethically, sustainably, and responsibly from the enchanting Swat Valley, Pakistan. The company’s philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for both the environment and the communities from which their precious gemstones originate.
Myne London actively collaborates with local groups within the Swat Valley region to significantly enhance the positive social impact of emerald mining. A core focus of these efforts is the education, comprehensive training, and fair employment of women, recognizing their pivotal role in community development and economic upliftment. To achieve these ambitious yet vital goals, Myne London partners with leading designer-brands, ensuring a creative and ethical home for its responsibly sourced emerald supply. Concurrently, the brand meticulously crafts its own exquisite luxury fine jewellery collections, each piece embodying its core values of social and economic empowerment.
The inception of Myne London is a tale of personal connection and profound discovery. Sisters Fiona Wellington and Kate Murray Gordos, born in Malaysia and raised between the vibrant cities of London and Peshawar, Pakistan, developed an enduring bond with the region. Their extensive travels across Pakistan, including the rugged Khyber regions and into Afghanistan and Kabul, forged a deep and authentic relationship with the area and its people. This personal history ignited their quest to introduce the world to Pakistan’s hidden treasures.
In 2018, their vision materialized as they dispatched a team of expert gemmologists, including the highly respected Charles Evans BSc FGA DGA, to investigate the then little-known emerald mines nestled within the breathtaking Swat Valley. What they uncovered was astonishing: emeralds of exceptional quality and rarity, truly world-class specimens that defied previous perceptions. This discovery was monumental, enabling Myne London to establish a new, traceable, and transparent route to market for these magnificent gemstones, setting a new standard for ethical practices in the global jewellery industry.
Discover more about Myne London’s journey and exquisite collections at Mynelondon.co.uk.