Arts leaders design one-of-a-kind Diamond Cellar pieces

A ring by BalletMet Artistic Director Edwaard Liang, a necklace by Peggy Kriha Dye, director of Opera Columbus, and a bracelet by Melanie Corn, president of the Columbus College of Art & Design, were auctioned off to support the respective institutions. Liang’s contemporary piece featuring an emerald-cut center stone and black and white diamonds was sold for $5,750 at BalletMet’s Midnight at the Barre event April 5; Dye’s white gold and diamond necklace inspired by La Boheme sold for $3,500 at Opera Columbus’ annual gala March 7; and Corn’s bracelet, which celebrates CCAD’s 1879 founding and its president’s love for Art Nouveau in oxidized black silver, high-polish silver and black and white diamonds, sold for $2,500 at the school’s May 10 fashion show.

“The arts is something we’ve been passionate about as a family since I was born. We come from a long line of artists,” says Alex Johnson, a partner and executive vice president at the Diamond Cellar. “Columbus is a booming city and we’re fortunate to have major art institutions here. We wanted to celebrate the art offerings here and make a difference for these important institutions.”

Katy Smith is the editor of Columbus CEO.

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