October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and pink is the color of breast cancer awareness. If you didn’t notice pink rubber awareness bracelets throughout the year, you’ll have a hard time missing them during this month. Purchases of those bracelets provides income for breast cancer research and support, so here’s an example of how a rubber bracelet can claim a type of quality all its own – the quality of philanthropy. But if you want to give back while wearing something with more fine jewelry appeal, you have several options. First, stop by your local independent jeweler. Many independent jewelers create their own cause jewelry and donate a percentage of each purchase to research. Ostbye in Minneapolis offers a 14k two tone pendant with diamond melee that makes a simple, delicate . . . and fine statement of support. Studio 2015 Jewelers in Woodstock, Illinois designs a new breast cancer awareness piece each year that is auctioned off for breast cancer research and is available for sale through the store. Chances are very good that an independent jeweler in your area is doing something special too.
Jewelry designers create cause pieces as well. Tacori’s 18k pink gold pendant with diamonds is a beautiful statement piece, and at the other end of the price spectrum Sara Blaine designs a series of silver dog tags in her “It’s the Journey” series supporting breast cancer research. My point, as always, is that quality can be part of every jewelry purchase. Of course, my preference for pink this month would probably be Omi Prive’s amazing pink tourmaline ring – with a personal donation to breast cancer research on the side.
