Plum jewelry roll

Traveling with your most preciously pieces can make for a tricky situation, but ShopGive.com’s Italian leather jewelry roll can solve that problem in one sleek case. Being a fan of anything plum immediately brought me to this jewelry case, but for you neutral-lovers, it also comes in beautiful black, brown, and tan tones. The suede lining of this organizer keeps necklaces, earrings, and rings carefully protected and exactly where they should be (no entangled mess when you unpack your bags). Also included are snap closures to keep necklaces from tangling and “holed” pieces for your earring posts to keep them held together in the midst of your travels. You’ll also find two pockets for all your other royal jewels, so space is certainly not limited. This all-in-one leather case with gold hardware comes in at $135.

Now for a bit on the company behind this exclusive offering. ShopGive.com donates 10% of its net profits (i.e. total profit less total expenses) to variety of charities on annual basis. A great part about the organization: their philosophy states that “part of being chic means not just carrying the bag that you love, but also supporting the organizations you love.” The very same sentiment rings loud and clear to everyone at MLC as well. Look around at all of the products available at ShopGive.com and see how your stylish carry-ons, handbags, and other leather goods can make a greater difference. I’m also a huge fan of this cosmetic bag…so chic!

Andrea Montgomery hoops

Andrea Montgomery and the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research have teamed up to help find a cure for cancer.  In 1969, the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research was established by surgical oncologist, Dr. John Stehlin, a man with a strong mission to develop the most effective treatments for cancer patients in the shortest period of time.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Montgomery is donating 100% of the proceeds of her lotus-shaped hoop earrings to this worthy cause.  All funds will be allocated to the clinical trials of Stelhlin’s promising anti-cancer drug, CZ48.

The simple, yet unique hoop earrings can be either brushed gold vermeil or polished sterling silver and retail for $110.  The gem is a pink quartz drop that can actually be interchanged with other colored gems, so you can match these fabulous earrings to any outfit.  However, for the month of October, make sure you’re keeping the pink hue to support breast cancer and the fight for a cure!

Kimberly McDonald Sea Turtle bracelet, 100% of proceeds benefit Gulf spill relief

Kimberly McDonald has created a limited edition “Sea Turtle Macramé Bracelet” collection in support of the National Wildlife Federation’s efforts to clean up the Gulf oil spill. 100% of all proceeds benefit the National Wildlife Federation’s effort to respond to the wildlife crisis unfolding in the Gulf.

Each bracelet is made from 18K recycled gold, reclaimed diamonds and hand-woven silk. The bracelets retail for $2,000 – $2,500 and are available at Mitchells.

Connections Bracelet, $500

I volunteer for a wonderful non-profit here in NYC called Bottomless Closet. For 10 years, the organization has been helping New York women gain their economic independence and strengthen their self-confidence through their one-on-one interview counseling and evening career workshops. And of course, their huge “boutique” of clothing is perfectly suited to help these women land a  good job and keep it.

I’m on the Young Leadership Council and wanted to let everyone know of a beautiful new bracelet we are selling to raise money for our programs.

Bottomless Closet’s Young Leadership Council is thrilled to announce the Connections bracelet created by designer Catherine M Zadeh exclusively for Bottomless Closet! This stunning design, featuring an organic and stylish interpretation of the Bottomless Closet logo, is now available in sterling silver.

The cost of the bracelet is $100 for sterling silver or $500 for gold and 50% of the cost goes directly to the services and programming of Bottomless Closet.

Bracelets are available in the BC office or can be delivered for an additional charge of $15 shipping & handling fee.

Real Jewels' "Save Our Shores Iconic Pelican Pendant"

Real Jewels has created the “Save Our Shores Iconic Pelican Pendant” which will be donating 100% of its sales to the Save Our Gulf campaign to help protect the waters in the Gulf from the long-term impacts of the oil disaster.  The Waterkeeper Alliance jump-started the Save Our Gulf initiative as the Alliance as a whole is devoted to protecting major watersheds worldwide.

Designed by Real Jewels, this “Save Our Shores” pendant embodies the elements of recycled precious metals and fair trade gems, two important cornerstones of the company.  This pendant features a sterling silver pelican to represent the Gulf and the effects of the devastating oil spill on the environment and its wildlife.  An interesting twist:  the pendant can hang from either a sterling silver necklace or bangle bracelet, so the buyer can make it a more individual piece.  Now the pendant is available through the Real Jewels’ online store and is being sold for $85, so think wisely when looking for something new to add to your jewelry collection.  We have all felt helpless when seeing the tragic photos of the pelicans covered in the oil in the Gulf, so make a difference to these animals and to the entire region by choosing this pendant for your next purchase.

Slip on one of these bangles in celebration of the Join Me on the Bridge campaign, bringing together women across the globe in support of those rebuilding their lives in war-torn countries.  Each bangle is $48 and is made of 14-karat light gold plated hardware.  The outside of the bracelet is engraved with “hand in hand” and the inside is engraved with “there’s strength in numbers”–two powerful messages to send your support to women worldwide. Plus, a gold bangle can go well every outfit, so you can never go wrong with this accessory!

David Yurman amethyst pendants in support of The Lustgarten Foundation.

London Jewelers and David Yurman have come together to craft two beautifully constructed amethyst pendants in support of The Lustgarten Foundation.  Through their efforts, the fight against pancreatic cancer will continue as their non-profit Foundation continues to invest in research through the net proceeds of these noteworthy pendants.  Both London Jewelers and Yurman are dedicated to this exceptional cause since they have both have lost loved ones to the disease.

Retailing for $295 in silver and $1,700 for the 18-karat gold version, there is no way you can go wrong with either choice!  The piece has the signature Yurman touch–a 16-inch box chain giving the pendants their cable-like distinction.  A beautiful stone will be the perfect accent to your décolletage.  And knowing that 100% of the proceeds will be given to The Lustgarten Foundation can really put your accessorizing to the ultimate “do good” test.

Just released July 15th, orders can be taken via London Jewelers (877) 601-9924 until it is released in stores this fall.  Want to double up?  You can order your own pendant at The Lustgarten Foundation’s 10th annual Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk on July 25 in Garden City, NY while you participate in a walk for the cure.

Each of the products below is offered by a company that contributes part of the price to a charity, add these items to your wish list this season:

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Rose Anne de Pampelonne silk Coralia Crave tunic Price upon request

Ten percent of each sale goes to I Can Serve to benefit women in Phillippines who have breast cancer.  Based in Paris, De Pampelonne’s works take inspiration from the local handicrafts and traditional embroideries of far-flung locales like Tibet, India, and her native Philippines.  This item is travel ready and perfect for all types of occasions, a classic your suitcase must not close without!

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Toms Orange Calypso Canvas Wedges $69

The newest and tallest member of the TOMS family, the Wedge. The world’s first heels with heart, in orange stripe.

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Joan Hornig 18-K gold, white-topaz Potato Chip earrings $1,750

All net profits benefit charities of the buyer’s choice

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Elie Tahari Monique Melody cork tote $398

Twenty percent of the net proceeds go to God’s Love We Deliver, a NYC group that  prepares  meals for those with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses.

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Brette Sandler for Hat Attack $95

Twenty-five percent of each sale goes to the Skin Cancer Foundation.  Swimwear designer Brette Sandler partners with Hat Attack to create a limited-edition UV protective beach hat in order to raise awareness and support for the Foundation.

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Valentino jersey-and-lace T-shirt $395

All proceeds go to the Francesca Rava Foundation for the children of Haiti.

The T-shirt was first promoted at Milan fashion week in February and has become a permanent item in the Valentino online store.

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Harry Winston platinum and diamond Guggenheim ring $26,000

Part of the New York Collection, among traffic and skyscrapers stands one of New York’s favorite monument and architectural icon, the ring is a sweet souvenir of New York and shows your commitment to the arts.  A portion of the proceeds goes to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.

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See July 2010 issue of Town & Country for more ideas

Joan Horning Jewelry, 100% of profits support charities of the customer's choosing.

I don’t even know where to begin in explaining all that Joan Hornig the person and Joan Hornig the jewelry company is. To date, I have not come across (and mind you, I search a lot!) another company which is so aggressively philanthropic. Maybe that’s because Joan views her company as more than just a business, but an opportunity to leave a legacy of giving in the hearts of her customers and fans. Joan donates an unprecedented 100% of profits from all of her jewelry to charities of the purchaser’s choice. And by 100% of profits, this means after the cost of materials and production, not the cost of overhead for the business.

As you can see from the images, JHJ is beautiful, colorful and inspired by nature. But, JHJ  means more than just  hand-made exquisite pieces featuring shimmering stones and precious metals (and believe me, these pictures do not do her jewelry justice). The act of purchasing and wearing a Joan Hornig piece means rising to the challenge of giving back by choosing a charity to benefit from your action and telling your friends of the special meaning behind your jewelry. Joan wants her jewelry to inspire the purchaser to “use beauty and fashion in a new way.”

Joan also wants to instill the idea of paying it forward with her customers. The designer chooses to actively participate in charity auctions and fundraisers by donating pieces to the charities of her loyal customers.

Joan Hornig Jewelry is available online and at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks in New Orleans, Neimans in Palm Beach, The Philanthropist Boutique in San Francisco and many other high-end independent boutiques across America.

On a side note, Joan Hornig, the person, is the inspiration behind this website and the inspiration behind my desire to use brand philanthropy as a means to change the world.

Joan Hornig, the designer

Actress Katherine Heigl wearing Joan's Freshwater Pearl Necklace

The Wittelsbach-Graff was featured on the cover of the 196-page, hardcover coffee table book, The Most Fabulous Jewels in the World. Published in 2007, the book retails for $150; all of the proceeds are donated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

The Children’s Fund focuses on children’s causes around the world. Homelessness, abuse, early childhood development, orphans and refugee children are just some of the issues the fund prioritizes. The fund also supports development of the  Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital located in Gauteng, South Africa.