The 2016 Spark Gala was a great success, raising over $2.5 million for novel cell therapy at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center. We are incredibly honored that the necklace we donated managed to raise $100,000. La Jolla Light featured an article which noted that this is the largest jewelry donation ever recorded in the San Diego area. 

Vahid Moradi and CJ Charles Jewelers are pleased to support this year’s 35^th Annual Moores Cancer Center Spark Gala with the donation of a stunning golden South Sea Pearl and diamond necklace and earring set. This exquisite piece will be available at auction during the Spark Gala on Saturday, April 16^th at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. All proceeds of the auction benefit cancer research and clinical care at UCSD’s Moores Cancer Center, which is a cause very dear to his heart.

Interview with Vahid Moradi, president of CJ Charles Jewelers:

What first got you involved with UCSD’s Moores Cancer Center?

“Finding a cure for cancer intrigues us all. I lost my father to cancer when I was a young man. This sparked an inner flame. I gravitated to any cause that was willing to go to war with cancer. After I was invited to join the UCSD Cancer Board, I had the pleasure to meet Dr. Scott Lipmann. On the first day I entered his office at UCSD’s Moores Cancer Center, I knew this was to be a lifelong mission of mine. I saw how passionate and devoted Dr. Lipmann is in his pursuit to find a cure. Throughout our conversation that day, Scott explained to me how the research is evolving to treatments such as immunotherapy and designing targeted cancer drugs based on the genetic information of the patient.”

How long have you been involved in supporting UCSD's Moores Cancer Center?

“This is my second year. My experiences as a board member over the last two years has been enriching. After seeing firsthand doctors and scientists devoted to their craft, my belief is reinforced that we are on the brink of something really great.”

Tell us about your donation.

“Every year for the gala it gives me the pleasure to offer my support by selecting an extraordinary one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. This year I have selected a breathtaking necklace and earring set featuring golden pearls and diamonds. I can only hope that this donation will inspire an even greater act of generosity.”

The annual CJ Charles Jewelers Cartier Party is always a favorite. Our dear friends joined us for a magical evening sipping champagne, nibbling on delectable morsels, and admiring some of the finest high jewelry watches in the world.

When you imagine a high jewelry watch, you're thinking about something that's unique and beautiful...and seems more jewelry than watch! And that's before you add in the "mystery" factor that so many brands like. And, when you think of these, among the first to pop to mind are Cartier high jewelry watches.

Arts, food and shopping...that's always something to look forward to, especially on a Friday night! And now, that's exactly what you get to enjoy, courtesy of La Jolla Nights. What is it, you ask?...With its first edition scheduled for August 7, this will be a monthly celebration of Prospect Street's choice selections of entertainment, dining and shopping options. It's a whole new reason to anticipate a weekend.

For vintage automobile lovers around the world, one of the events on their year's "must be there" list is the La Jolla Concours D'Elegance. Considering this car show has been cited among the top three of the year by British automotive magazine Octane, you know you're going to see some truly spectacular sights.

The house of Cartier had raised a lot of interest and anticipation at the SIHH 2015 in January (read our coverage of the SIHH 2015) when they announced the launch of a new line, the Clé de Cartier, which was scheduled to become commercially available in April 2015. Well, April is here and so is the Clé de Cartier.

April has arrived and brings with it probably the most popular birthstone of all...it's time to break out your collection of diamond jewelry! Who doesn't love receiving a diamond on that special occasion...or any occasion. And for the lucky April born, isn't it the most perfect gift all around...what could be more symbolic of eternal love than a diamond?

For those who follow the fundraising gala calendar, it's time to bring out those gowns, suits and dress shoes because it's that time of year again. The 34th edition of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center Gala, SPARK, is set to happen in style this month!