This fall season, you’ll see a lot of Owls wearing a moissanite chain necklace. No, they won’t be perched atop a roof or tree; rather they will have just scored a touchdown! Introducing the Touchdown Chain by David Gendal for the Florida Atlantic Owls football team of Florida Atlantic University.
(Photo courtesy of David Gendal)
We talked with David of Mostly Moissanite about the chain and what inspired him to create it for FAU.
What inspired you to create this chain?
“A resident of Boca Raton, I love to support the local community and university. As FAU began to build its football program, I decided to buy season tickets and came to enjoy going to games. With a recent change in coaching leadership, it became clear that FAU football was growing and I was proud to support it. Other schools celebrate the defense with recognition of turnovers and sacks. The idea to recognize the offense and scoring touchdowns with a celebration chain of their own came to me and I set to work designing it and approving the chain with running back coach Kevin Smith.”
What is it made out of?
“It is made out of stainless steel and includes 618 Charles & Colvard moissanite stones with a diamond equivalent weight of 33.56 carats. It’s enameled in the school colors – white, red and blue, and weighs 3.2 pounds. The 30-inch-long chain allows for it to go around their head while they are still wearing their helmets. The other elements of the chain – from the steel links to the enamel – were made right here in the state of Florida.”
How long have you been in the jewelry industry?
“I've been in the moissanite business for 24 years. Previously I worked with my father in the Garment Center of NYC.”
What do you love about working with moissanite?
“I’ve stayed in the business for years because moissanite has more fire, more brilliance and incredible colorless properties. I’m proud of what I do and I love selling moissanite. The evolution of e-commerce and marketing has created an enormous demand and buzz for moissanite.”
What kind of feedback have you gotten from the players about the chain?
“The players and coaches absolutely love it. I love the product and I made the chain to have fun and give back to the school. I get so much joy from watching the young men on the team score, wear the chain and high-five each other in excitement and celebration.”
(Photo courtesy of David Gendal)
Read more about FAU’s Touchdown Chain in the SunSentinel, Palm Beach Post and FAUFocus Blog and follow Charles & Colvard on Instagram and Facebook for brilliant photos, stories and more.
