Jeweler Donates His Retirement Stash

When Vernon Wilson wanted to help a local charity, he didn’t write a check or hand over stocks and bonds, he gave a gleaming pile of 1,600 diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other jewels. The Poquoson jeweler had been setting aside his favorite stones for three decades to help fund his retirement. When he heard the local branch of Habitat for Humanity needed help, he found a better use for his gems, valued at $182,000.