POPPY JEWELS ‘RIP-OFF’
No proceeds go to charity
A JEWELLERY firm has been accused of a Remembrance “rip-off” after selling poppy-style gifts with none of the proceeds going to the Royal British Legion.
Chamilia, which sells its range in high street stores including Ernest Jones and H Samuels, has released badges, pins and charms for bracelets which resemble the traditional tributes to our war dead. But a Daily Star Sunday investigation has found that no proceeds made from the sales are going to veterans’ charities.
When quizzed about it, a Chamilia spokeswoman told us: “We never claimed to give any money to charity.” They stressed they were “not misleading anyone”.
The female employee told our reporter: “It doesn’t say anywhere on our website that we give the money to the Poppy Appeal. People can just buy our designs if they like the look.”
The poppy jewellery range is being pushed for sale as November 11 approaches. An online description tells of an “elegant and timeless piece”.
The Chamilia Shimmering Poppy Red Enamel Lt Siam Jet Swarovski Silver charm retails for £45 while the Crystal Poppy Bead sells for £50.
One jeweller, CW Sellors, referenced Remembrance Day on its website. It said: “In preparation for Remembrance Day this beautiful bead features a poppy head made with sterling silver petals adorned with dazzling red Swarovski crystals, the perfect addition to your bouquet of beauty.”
A more subtle poppy charm named the Dappled Poppy Field sells on the website for £45. Remembrance Day commemorates the fallen of both World Wars and also honours those killed in modern conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Donations help to fund treatment for those injured in more recent operations.
Poppy sellers reacted furiously to what they called “shameful profiteering from those who have died for this country”.
Margaret Lyons, who has sold poppies in West Sussex for the past five years, said: “It is a disgusting way to run a business. 100% of that should be going to the British Legion.”