When R.F. Moeller Jeweler launched its “Diamonds of Wonder” collection in 2024, the goal was not just to showcase the brilliance of natural diamonds — but to add another dimension to what those diamonds could represent. Luxury and exclusivity often define the world of fine jewelry, but the Twin Cities-based jeweler set out to create a collection that could also drive meaningful impact.
“We believe that diamonds can’t just be beautiful – they need to be rare, responsibly sourced, and contribute positively to the world,” R.F. Moeller Jeweler states.
That vision led the company thousands of miles from Minnesota to the village of Mochudi in Botswana — the second-largest diamond-producing country in the world. While Botswana has long been central to the global diamond supply, the Diamonds of Wonder initiative aims to ensure that its communities benefit directly from the global demand for natural gemstones.
Through a philanthropic partnership with The Dow Academy, a school that serves children from daycare through secondary education, R.F. Moeller has committed to funding student tuition as part of the collection’s mission. Thirteen children have received a full year’s tuition support since April 2024 — a number the jeweler hopes to grow as the initiative expands.
The connection to The Dow Academy came through a mutual contact, who introduced the Moeller team to Cheshe Dow, the school’s CEO and a former professional in the rough diamond trade. Dow’s dual understanding of the diamond industry and educational needs in rural Botswana made the partnership a natural fit.
“In our meetings with Cheshe Dow, we’ve been inspired and humbled by her dedication to education,” Bergit Mars, director of marketing, says. “Her dream is for all children to have access to a safe learning environment — and for their mothers, many of whom are single parents, to have access to reliable childcare so they can work and support their families.”
That vision resonated deeply with the R.F. Moeller team — especially among employees with young children of their own. “It’s personal for a lot of us,” Mars adds. “We understand what a difference it makes when a child is in a safe, nurturing environment — and what that means for their parents, too.”
The idea that a diamond could help fund a child’s education halfway around the world has also struck a chord with customers. Mars recalls one instance in particular: “We had a client who was marrying a single mother, and he chose a Diamond of Wonder because he wanted a diamond that would honor her — and also support another single mother and her children in Botswana. That kind of connection makes the diamond that much more meaningful.”
The collection itself is built around strict sourcing standards. Every diamond is natural, untreated, conflict-free, and traceable from mine to showroom. The gemstones pass only through partners that meet the American Gem Society’s ethics standards, as well as international human rights, labor, and environmental benchmarks.
That commitment to transparency and responsibility complements the more traditional attributes buyers seek in a diamond — cut, color, clarity, and carat. But with Diamonds of Wonder, R.F. Moeller is adding a new “C” to that list: charity.
“We’ve noticed that individuals have a greater interest in ensuring that the money they spend is doing good,” Mars says. “We hope Diamonds of Wonder will inspire people’s interest in natural diamonds and open their eyes to the stunning ripple effect they can have on the lives of children halfway across the world.”
The collection also prompts customers to see Botswana — and the broader diamond industry — in a different light. Mars recalls a conversation with Dow that left a lasting impression. “She told us that, ‘the diamond is beautiful because it is all things to the people of Botswana.’ Diamonds are more than just a commodity. They’re the reason the country has roads, education, running water, healthcare, and wildlife conservation.”
By linking luxury to purpose, R.F. Moeller is tapping into a growing demand for socially conscious consumption — without compromising on quality. The Diamonds of Wonder collection still offers the stunning beauty and timeless symbolism customers expect from fine jewelry. But now, each piece carries a deeper story: one of opportunity, access, and a shared sense of wonder that stretches far beyond the display case.
As Mars puts it, “These diamonds celebrate the wonder of love, the wonder of a child’s imagination and possibility, and the wonder of what’s possible when we use beauty to do good.”
For more information and to see the collection, visit rfmoeller.com.