Committed to the World
February 2010
Christina Ammon
Unlike most, when thirty-something Christina Ammon inherited her grandmother's 3.21-carat diamond ring, she didn't decide to squirrel it away in some safe hidden in the depths of her basement, but instead set up a website and online auction in an effort to raise money for local initiatives she'd witnessed and heard about during her travels around the world. Here Christina shares with Bradt the thinking behind her unique project: Committed to the World, as well as her plans for the future.
How or why did you think of the ring project?
This idea sprang to life after I inherited my deceased grandmother's impressive diamond ring. It arrived in the mail on a winter day. I wore the ring for two weeks and it was gorgeous! So many compliments! But it didn't take me long to realize that it didn't really suit me. I live a rough lifestyle, travelling to developing countries, paragliding, living in and out of my van for parts of the year.
It seemed silly to lock it up in a safe deposit box indefinitely. The appraisal came in at $22,000. I did the maths and was amazed that a sparkly rock could have so much potential. This one ring could do any of the following:
• Protect 220 acres of rainforest;
• Restore sight to 660 people in Bangladesh;
• Provide clean water to 1320 homes in Mexico;
• Send 133 Nepali children to school.
The question became: do I want a diamond ring, or a better world?
Of course, I had to navigate some emotional territory before I could put the ring up for auction. In making my decision, I weighed several issues. How much philanthropic benefit would the ring have versus its benefit to me as a family heirloom? On this I decided that I didn't really need the ring to remember my grandmother. Her spirit and memory is with me no matter what, and an object doesn't make or break that. All the same, I am keeping and wearing the much more modest wedding band.
I also had to think through my own values in relation to my grandmother's. On a personal level, we were very different people. She was glamorous and driven. I have been a farmer and wandering artist. She was really hoping I'd be a corporate success story, but in the end, seemed to accept me for who I am.
More broadly, I think that a lot of my peers are calling into question the materialism that has driven previous generations. With the benefit of hindsight, we can look back and assess what all of this acquisition has really brought us. Many around me are coming to the conclusion that there are more sustainable paths to happiness.
So, the diamond is now becoming a vehicle to express my own developing value system. In a sense, I'm transforming from an 'affect' to and 'effect'.
The diamond ring
Was it successful?
Who benefited from the money raised?
Yes! The ring sold for $22,000. As any globetrotter knows, that amount is a relative fortune in the developing world. In this case, the ring money will send dozens of children to school, fund spay-and-neutering programs, help re-establish vulture populations in the Himalayas, and help spark a campaign on ethical travel. Quite a good trade-in on a shiny bauble I would say!
But on a more abstract level, the Committed to the World project seemed to inspire people to think differently about their belongings. I've been hearing stories from people who have lots of inherited valuables stored in their attics and safe deposit boxes: strings of pearls, paintings, antiques. Often people don't want to use Aunt So-and-so's prized lampshade, but feel too guilty to sell it. So, I think the diamond auction inspired new options for these items and raised the question: what can we give up? Hearing all these stories of squirreled away valuables, I'm starting to think that more than having a poverty problem on this planet – we have a real wealth problem.
Can you tell us a little bit about who bought the ring?
A couple named Brent and Aly from Alabama bought the ring. They have been married five years, but diamond-wary Brent still hadn't given Aly an engagement ring. He didn't like the dicey politics surrounding diamond mining and some of the marketing ploys that permeate the industry. So, he bought her an 'engagement van' instead.
But whenever they passed jewellery stores, Aly would look inside longingly and Brent would feel like a complete heel. My ring is the perfect solution: it's gorgeous and ethical - a true beacon of commitment.
What is really quite amazing is that Brent trusted me enough to wire $22,000 into my account before I mailed the ring. What a leap of faith!
I'm relieved that the ring has ended up with such kind people. They also told me that they have a spare room in their house if I'd ever like to come and visit. I think I will take them up on this offer soon. I'd definitely like to meet these two in person.
The ring from Haiti
We see you're now focussing on Haiti. Can you tell us more?
Soon after the earthquake struck Haiti, the 'Social Forum' from the University of Idaho began an effort to raise money for relief efforts. The mission of the Forum is to raise 'awareness about social, political & economic issues, and promote activism around those issues'.
Part of their campaign for Haiti involved setting up an information table on campus with a donation box. Dropped amid the dollar bills and coins, was this stunning gold ring. The staffer at the table said that it was donated by an older man from France who hoped the ring would help the earthquake survivors.
The student group contacted the Committed to the World site and we are now selling it. We are still searching for the 'Vagabond Philanthropist' the ring money will assist in Haiti. The chosen project will be posted on Committed to the World soon.
For now, meet the ring:
Appraisal Specs:
18 KY
9mm width
6.48 DWT (penny weight)
Size: 9.75
Retail Value: approx US$1,000
If you are interested in looking at the ring, visit the website:
www.committedtotheworld.org